The Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) measures how schools are performing and how students are progressing towards proficiency on the Maryland state content standards.
http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/DAAIT/Assessment/index.aspx
Students are assessed annually in grades 3-8 in the areas of English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA/L) and Mathematics.
The Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (MISA) is given annually to students in grades 5 and 8. MISA measures students' proficiency on the Next Generation Science Standards.
http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/DAAIT/Assessment/MISA/index.aspx
The Alternate Assessment in Science is administered to students in grades 5 and 8 with significant cognitive disabilities and for whom MISA would not be appropriate.
In May 2022, students in grade 8 will take the MCAP Social Studies field test. The assessment will measure students' knowledge of United States History from 1763-1890 as well as their ability to analyze sources and construct arguments using claims.
http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/DCAA/Social-Studies/8GradeUSH.aspx
Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State for English Language Learners is a secure large-scale English language proficiency assessment given to Kindergarten through 12th graders who have been identified as English language learners (ELLs). It is given annually in WIDA Consortium member states to monitor students' progress in acquiring academic English.
http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/DAAIT/Assessment/ELPA/index.aspx
The Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA) is an observational and assessment tool administered to all Kindergarten students within the first few weeks of the school year. The KRA measures skills, knowledge and behaviors kindergarteners should be able to demonstrate at the start of the year.
http://www.marylandpublicshools.org/about/Pages/DAAIT/Assessment/KRA/index.aspx
Universal screening in reading provides Prince George’s County Public School staff with information about the strengths and needs of each child. The universal screener helps teachers identify students who may have challenges in reading and may need additional support.
Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) uses Amplify’s mClass with DIBELS 8th Edition as a universal screener. This assessment has been chosen in accordance with Maryland Senate Bill 734, the Code of Maryland Regulations (13A. 03. 01), which requires screening of kindergarten, first, second, and third-grade students to identify if the student is at risk for reading difficulties. Amplify’s mClass with DIBELS 8th Edition is a series of brief assessments that are administered one-on-one. The assessment results will help teachers determine students’ abilities in the areas of phonological awareness, phonics, and reading comprehension. These series of measures will take 5-8 minutes per child.
Amplify’s mClass with DIBELS 8th Edition assessment will be administered three times a year.
When each assessment is complete, teachers will share information with parents/guardians. The results will help families and teachers work together as partners in each child’s education.
MSDE Checklist for Identifying Reading Difficulties and Dyslexia by age
COMAR 13A.03.08 Students at Risk for Reading Difficulties
The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test 8/9 (PSAT 8/9) is given to all 8th grade students early in December. The PSAT 8/9 shares characteristics with other assessments in the SAT suite of assessments. The assessment covers three broad categories - math, reading, and writing and language. The PSAT 8/9 introduces students to the types of questions that can be found on PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10 and SAT. It can also forecast a student's readiness for high school curriculum.
The Otis-Lennon School Ability Test (OLSAT) is administered to all students in 1st grade and selected students in 3rd grade. The test is a measure of verbal and non-verbal reasoning ability and abstract thinking. The OLSAT is one of the factors used to determine eligibility into the Talented and Gifted Program (TAG)
The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) is administered to all students in 4th grade and selected students in 5th grade. This online test is a measure of verbal, quantitative and spatial (non-verbal) reasoning abilities. The CogAT is one of the factors use to determine eligibility into the Talented and Gifted Program (TAG)
