What is Mod-MSA?
The Mod-MSA assessment is an alternate assessment based on grade level content standards and modified academic achievement standards designed for students receiving special education services who meet specific participation requirements. Students taking the Mod-MSA are assessed in reading and mathematics.
A student who is eligible for the Mod-MSA will be identified based on his/her individual evaluation information and instructional and service information on his/her IEP.
Beginning in 2007-2008, Maryland included the proficient scores from the modified assessments in calculating AYP and capped the scores at 2% of the total tested population. Grades 6-8 took the modified assessment for the first time in 2009 and grades 3-5 took the modified assessment for the first time in 2010.
Performance Level Standards for Mod-MSA
Standards are measures of performance against which yearly results are compared. Standards help to examine critical aspects of instructional programs; help to ensure that all students receive quality instruction; hold educators accountable for quality instruction; and help to guide efforts toward school improvement. Maryland School Performance Program (MSPP) performance standards were determined through deliberative processes by educators with involvement of critical stakeholders such as the legislators and members of the business community. The State Board of Education adopted all standards.
The purpose of the MSPP standards is to:
- provide statewide equity and quality assurance in terms of student outcomes;
- establish a mechanism for instructional accountability useful to schools, school systems, and the state;
- stimulate self-examination and appropriate action by local district staff and the Maryland State Department of Education; and
- set improvement expectations that guide school and school system objectives, decision, and efforts.
Maryland standards are divided into three levels of achievement: Advanced, Proficient, and Basic.
Mod-MSA Reading Performance Level Descriptors
Advanced Students at this level can regularly read above grade-level text and demonstrate the ability to comprehend complex literature and informational passages. Students were provided supports which included test items having fewer answer choices, test items with language (other than required Reading terminology) which was simplified, stimulus material which was shorter, and test items which had information not essential to the content removed.
Proficient Students at this level can read grade appropriate text and demonstrate the ability to comprehend literature and informational passages. The goal for all students is to reach the proficient or advanced level. Students were provided supports which included test items having fewer answer choices, test items with language (other than required Reading terminology) which was simplified, stimulus material which was shorter, and test items which had information not essential to the content removed.
Basic Students at this level are unable to adequately read and comprehend grade appropriate literature and informational passages. Students were provided supports which included test items having fewer answer choices, test items with language (other than required Reading terminology) which was simplified, stimulus material which was shorter, and test items which had information not essential to the content removed.
Mod-MSA Mathematics Performance Level Descriptors
Advanced Students at this level can regularly solve complex problems in mathematics and demonstrate superior ability to reason mathematically. Students were provided supports which included test items having fewer answer choices, test items with language (other than required Mathematics terminology) which was simplified, stimulus material which was shorter, and test items which had information not essential to the content removed.
Proficient Students at this level demonstrate an understanding of fundamental grade level skills and concepts and can generally solve entry-level problems in mathematics. Students were provided supports which included test items having fewer answer choices, test items with language (other than required Mathematics terminology) which was simplified, stimulus material which was shorter, and test items which had information not essential to the content removed.
Basic Students at this level demonstrate only partial mastery of the skills and concepts defined in the Maryland Mathematics Content Standards.Students were provided supports which included test items having fewer answer choices, test items with language (other than required Mathematics terminology) which was simplified, stimulus material which was shorter, and test items which had information not essential to the content removed.
