On Maryland's MCAP, Grade 5 English Language Arts (ELA) is reported on a scale from 650 to 850, and each score falls into one of 4 performance levels. Reaching Proficient Learner (at 750 or above) is the state's grade-level, on-track benchmark.
| Level | Score range | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Beginning Learner | 650–724 | The lowest level, well below grade-level expectations |
| Developing Learner | 725–749 | Approaching grade-level expectations |
| Proficient Learner | 750–776 | Meeting grade-level expectations (the state proficiency line) |
| Distinguished Learner | 777–850 | The highest level, above grade-level expectations |
Statewide in 2025, about 45% of Grade 5 students reached Proficient Learner or Distinguished Learner in ELA. 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:
ELA, other grades: