Preparing for Spring Assessments: What Families Need to Know

The final weeks of the school matter — a lot.

Why?

End-of-year assessments, including the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP), measure what students know, understand and can do after a full year of learning. These results help measure student progress, inform instruction and contribute to each school’s performance on the Maryland School Report Card. 

How Families Can Help

The most important thing right now is consistent attendance. Being in school every day ensures students don’t miss critical instruction and feel confident going into assessments.

You can also support your child by:

• Maintaining strong daily routines (stable sleep schedule, healthy nutrition, dedicated homework time).
• Encouraging effort, focus and a positive mindset.
• Limiting distractions, especially during study and rest time.
• Asking your child to explain their thinking and check their work.
• Supporting small, consistent practice rather than last-minute cramming.

We also have these grade- and subject-specific resources to help understand what your child is learning and how to support them at home.