School Improvement in Maryland

Assessments

Maryland Assessments: How Do We Test What Students Have Learned?

HSA: High School Assessments

The Maryland High School Assessments (HSA) are tests that measure school and individual student progress toward Maryland's High School Core Learning Goals in in English, Government, Algebra/Data Analysis, and Biology. Passing the HSA is a graduation requirement beginning with the graduating class of 2009.

MSA: Maryland School Assessments

The Maryland School Assessment (MSA) is a test of reading, math, and—eventually— science achievement. This test provides educators, parents, and the public valuable information about student, school, school system, and state performance.


In This Section:
  • Practice Tests
  • Student Site
  • What HSA Assesses
  • History and More

In This Section:
  • Sample Test Items
  • What MSA Assesses
  • How It's Scored
  • More

ALT-MSA

Students with significant cognitive disabilities who cannot participate in the MSA, even with accommodations, participate in Alt-MSA. It assesses mastery of reading and mathematics objectives that are aligned with the Maryland Content Standards.

In This Section:
  • Sample Test Items
  • What MSA Assesses
  • How It's Scored
  • More


Standards: What Do Students Need To Know?

Grade Level | PK-8

MSDE has a set developed standards that identify the essential skills and knowledge students need to know and be able to do. The PK-8 standards cover a large set of content areas including: Reading, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Fine Arts, Health & PE, Foreign Language, ELP, and Technology Education.

In This Section:
  • Voluntary State Curriculum

Grade Level | 9-12

MSDE has a set developed standards that identify the essential skills and knowledge students need to know and be able to do in Grades 9-12. The standards cover a large set of content areas including: Algebra/Data Analysis, Government, Biology, English.

In This Section:
  • Core Learning Goals
  • High School VSC

How Do We Measure AYP?

Adequate Yearly Progress

Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) is designed to ensure continuous improvement each year toward the goal of 100% proficiency in 2014. Maryland holds schools, school systems, and the state accountable for adequate yearly progress of all children enrolled for a full academic year. Building on a nationally recognized accountability system, Maryland has developed an accountability system that complies with all requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

In This Section:
  • No Child Left Behind
  • Accountability
  • How AYP Is Calculated