Montgomery County Public Schools - Testing Information

Montgomery County Public Schools, Rockville, Maryland

Testing dates, how to read test scores, and more information about testing

Name	Grade(s)	Type	Purpose
TerraNova Second Edition	2	Multiple Choice	The school system uses results of this test as an indicator of how students in Grade 2 are achieving basic skills in reading, language arts, and mathematics as compared to the nation. Students in Grade 2 take the TerraNova Second Edition each spring. Grade 2 individual student scores will be reported to parents.
MSA (Maryland School Assessment) in Reading and Mathematics	3–8, 10	Multiple Choice and Constructed Response	The Maryland School Assessment (MSA) replaced the Maryland School Performance Assessment Program (MSPAP). In response to requirements of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) federal mandates, it provides national norm-referenced and Maryland criterion-referenced data. The norm-referenced items provide national percentile ranks to describe how well a student performed in reading and mathematics compared to his/her peers nationally. The criterion-referenced items provide proficiency scores (expressed as Basic, Proficient, or Advanced proficiency level) to describe how well a student has mastered the reading and mathematics content specified in the Maryland Content Standards. About the Maryland School Assessment (from the School Improvement in Maryland web site)
Maryland Functional Tests (Reading, Mathematics, and Writing)	12 (retake)	Multiple Choice (Reading and Mathematics) Written Essay (Writing)	These tests assess minimum competency skills in reading, math, and writing. Passing these tests is a requirement to receive a Maryland high school diploma. The 2004 graduating class will be the last group that must take and pass these tests. Students have several yearly opportunities to pass these tests. Individual student scores are reported to parents on each test.
High School Assessments (Algebra, English, Government, Biology)	7–12 (end of course)	Multiple Choice and Constructed Response	Determines if student has demonstrated mastery of the Maryland Content Standards. Currently students are required to take them if enrolled in the appropriate course. Passing scores were established in summer 2003 by the State Board of Education. About the Maryland High School Assessments (from the School Improvement in Maryland web site) High School Assessment Resource Center
Alt-MSA (formerly IMAP, Independence Mastery Program)	3–8, 10, 11	Performance (portfolio and videotaped tasks)	Alternate to MSA for special education students in Fundamental Life Skills. Grade 11 students will participate for the last time in the 2003-04 school year.
IDEA Proficiency Test (IPT)	K–12	Multiple-choice oral and written items	Responds to No Child Left Behind Act adequate yearly progress in English proficiency requirements for students enrolled in the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program.

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