On Kentucky's KSA, Grade 5 Writing is reported on a scale from 400 to 600, and each score falls into one of 4 performance levels. Reaching Proficient (at 512 or above) is the state's grade-level, on-track benchmark.
| Level | Score range | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Novice | 400–485 | The lowest level, well below grade-level expectations |
| Apprentice | 486–511 | Approaching grade-level expectations |
| Proficient | 512–525 | Meeting grade-level expectations (the state proficiency line) |
| Distinguished | 526–600 | The highest level, above grade-level expectations |
Statewide in 2025, about 38% of Grade 5 students reached Proficient or Distinguished in Writing. The bar above shows the share at each level (left = lowest).
A score's meaning depends on where it lands in the ranges above, and on how it compares to other students. Our free tool turns a score into an estimated percentile versus the child's school, district and the whole state, so you can see exactly where a score stands, not just its level.
Look up your child's exact percentile →Grade 5, other subjects:
Writing, other grades: