State Test Proficiency Explained: How to Read Reading and Math Rates for US Schools

Every US state tests public school students annually in reading or English language arts and mathematics, usually in grades 3 to 8 and once in high school. Schools report the share of tested students who scored proficient or above, and the US Department of Education compiles those figures in EDFacts. They are the only nationally consistent school-level results and form the core of this site's US rankings.

What proficiency means

Each state writes its own test and sets its own cut score for "proficient". Massachusetts, for example, sets a demanding bar and reports lower rates than states with lenient cuts. Sixty percent proficient in one state can represent stronger performance than seventy percent in another. For that reason:

• Compare schools within a state for a fair view. Every US profile shows the school's rank within its state and district as well as nationally.
• Treat the national list as indicative only.

How the figures are published

EDFacts reports proficiency for all students and for subgroups, across all tested grades combined. For small schools it publishes a range rather than an exact value to protect privacy; this site uses the midpoint of that range and excludes schools with fewer than 30 tested students from results-based lists. The most recent federal release available in bulk lags the current school year, and the data year is shown on every page.

Reading proficiency alongside intake

Proficiency rates track community advantage closely. The share of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch is published for most schools and is the best available indicator of intake. A school at 55% proficient with 80% of students eligible is likely doing far more than a school at 70% with 10% eligible. Our Success Index includes lunch eligibility so that schools are credited for results relative to their community, and the comparison tool lets you line up schools directly.

What the tests miss

Proficiency rates say nothing about growth during the year, advanced coursework, graduation and college outcomes, the arts, or school climate. State report cards carry much of that detail; look up your state's report card for growth scores and graduation rates before deciding.