How to Read School Test Scores
Published March 30, 2026 · Parent's Guide
School test scores are published every year, but most parents don't know how to interpret them. What does "65% proficiency" actually mean? Is that good or bad? Here's a plain-language guide to understanding the numbers.
What Proficiency Rate Means
When a school reports a "proficiency rate" of 65% in math, it means 65 out of every 100 students scored at or above the expected level for their grade. The remaining 35% scored below grade level. This is the most common metric published in school report cards.
Proficiency rates are the foundation of the DataScore, weighted at 35% of the composite. They answer the most basic question: is the school teaching students what they need to know?
Why State Comparisons Are Tricky
Each state uses different tests and sets different proficiency bars. Massachusetts uses the MCAS, Texas uses STAAR, California uses the CAASPP. A school with 70% proficiency in Massachusetts might be performing better than a school with 80% proficiency in a state with a lower bar.
For this reason, we recommend comparing schools within the same state, or using the DataScore which normalizes across states by incorporating multiple factors beyond raw proficiency.
Growth vs. Absolute Score
Absolute test scores tell you where a school is. Growth trends tell you where it's going. Consider two schools:
- School A: 72% proficiency, declining 3% per year
- School B: 58% proficiency, improving 5% per year
In two years, School B will likely surpass School A. The DataScore weights growth at 30% precisely because trajectory matters more than a single snapshot. See the most improved schools for examples of rapid growth.
What Test Scores Don't Tell You
Standardized tests measure reading and math proficiency. They do not measure science (in most states), creativity, critical thinking, social skills, work ethic, or character. A school with moderate test scores but excellent arts programs, strong community, and high student engagement may be a great fit for your child even if the numbers look average.
Use test scores as one input alongside other factors when evaluating schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "proficiency" mean in school test scores?
Proficiency means a student is performing at or above grade level in a subject. If a school has a 65% proficiency rate in math, it means 65% of students scored at or above the level expected for their grade. Standards vary by state, so proficiency rates are most useful for comparing schools within the same state.
Why do school test scores vary so much by state?
Each state sets its own proficiency standards and uses different assessments. A "proficient" student in Massachusetts faces a higher bar than in some other states. This is why the DataScore normalizes data within states and also looks at growth trends rather than raw scores alone.
Are standardized test scores a good measure of school quality?
Test scores are one measure — they capture academic achievement in reading and math but miss critical thinking, creativity, and social skills. Combined with growth trends and graduation rates (as in the DataScore), they provide a reasonable picture of academic quality. No single metric captures everything.