Does my child participate in State assessments?

The federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires that states administer annual statewide assessments to all students in English Language Arts/Literacy and Mathematics (in grades 3-8 and once in high school), as well as in science once in each grade (5 & 8 and high school), and annual English language proficiency assessments in grades 3-8 and 11. Additionally, the majority of Maryland kindergartners are administered the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA) to determine their readiness for kindergarten.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004 also requires states to provide an “alternate assessment” when implementing statewide accountability systems. An alternate assessment is an assessment designed for students with significant cognitive disabilities who are unable to participate in a regular assessment, even when accommodations are provided. Maryland provides Alternate Assessments written to Alternate Standards for those students who require this accommodation.

Which assessments will my child take?

Students accessing the general education curriculum and receiving special education services may participate in the PARCC, HSA Government, HSA MISA, and MISA.

1. PARCC: Partnership for Assessment of Readiness in College and Career, English Language Arts/Literacy and Mathematics, Grades 3-8 and High School. Student must pass all required courses and earn passing score on PARCC assessments (or equivalent) to earn a Maryland High School Diploma
2. HSA Government: High School Assessment, Government, High School. Student must pass all required courses and earn passing score on HSA Government assessment (or equivalent) to earn a Maryland High School Diploma
3. HSA MISA: High School Assessment, Maryland Integrated Science Assessment, High School. Student must pass all required courses and earn passing score on HSA MISA assessment (or equivalent) to earn a Maryland High School Diploma
4. MISA: Maryland Integrated Science Assessment, Grades 5 and 8

Eligibility Requirements

1. Student with a disability who can take the general assessment with or without accessibility features and accommodations
2. IEP Team, which includes the parents/guardians, determine the appropriate assessment in which the student will participate

Students receiving special education services and meeting all alternate assessment eligibility criteria may participate in the Alt-MISA and MSAA.

1. Alt-MISA: Alternate Maryland Integrated Science Assessment, Grades 5, 8, 11. Student participating in the Alt-MISA is pursuing a Maryland Certificate of Program Completion
2. MSAA: Multi-State Alternate Assessment, English Language Arts and Mathematics, Grades 3-8 and 11. Student participating in the MSAA is pursuing a Maryland Certificate of Program Completion

Eligibility Requirements

1. Student has an IEP
2. Student has a significant cognitive disability
3. Student requires instruction using significantly modified curriculum aligned to the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards (MCCRS)
4. Student requires extensive, direct, repeated, and individualized instruction
5. IEP Team, which includes the parents/guardians, determine the appropriate assessment in which the student will participate

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

All students with special needs—regardless of the test they take—are entitled to accommodations during instruction and testing. The accommodations your child needs are indicated in his or her Individualized Education Program (IEP). If you have a child with a disability and have questions about his or her program of study or participation on State assessments, send a note to your child’s special education teacher or case manager.

Resources

A Quick Guide to Understanding the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP)

Maryland Assessment Chart, outlining differences among Maryland State assessments

Maryland Assessment, Accessibility and Accommodations Policy Manual

Maryland Alternate Assessments Crosswalk: Changes to the Maryland Guidance for IEP Teams on Participation Decisions for the Alternate Assessments

Guidance for IEP Teams: Participation Decisions for the Alternate Assessments and Instruction Using Alternate Standards