CCPS offers a rigorous curriculum to challenge students and help them reach their full potential. We follow various state and federal guidelines for testing student achievement.
Assessments
Resources
elementary school
Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program: MCAP
Maryland Integrated Science Assessment: MISA
ALT Assessments: DLM
English Language Arts and Literacy – Mathematics
Access for English Learners
Kindergarten Readiness: KRA Report
Middle School
Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program: MCAP
Maryland Integrated Science Assessment: MISA
ALT Assessments: DLM
English Language Arts and Literacy – Mathematics
Access for English Learners
high school
Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program: MCAP
ALT Assessments: DLM
High School Assessments: American Government and HS MISA
College & Career Readiness Testing
College & Career Readiness Toolkit
High School Assessment Requirements
High School Graduation Requirements
Graduation Assessment Requirements / Waivers
Maryland Report Card
The federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), passed in 2015, required states to develop long term plans to make sure schools provide a quality education for all students. The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) plan to implement ESSA was approved by the US Department of Education in early 2018.
MSDE provides the Maryland Report Card website to inform families, educators, and other community members. The website features individual school report cards, which measure a wide range of factors.
Maryland Consolidated State Plan(ESSA)
Universal Screener
Universal Screener for Reading Difficulties
Beginning with the 2020-21 school year and continuing for the 2021-22 school year, school districts are required by the federal “Ready to Read Act” to give a reliable screening test to identify if a student is at risk for reading difficulties. The screening tool DIBELS 8 (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) will be given in the first weeks of school to students in the following groups:
- Students entering Kindergarten
- Students in the first grade not screened in Kindergarten
- Students entering or transferring to a school in CCPS unless it is determined that they were screened in their previous school district
- Students who are not already assessed as a requirement of their IEP (Individualized Educational Plan)
DIBELS 8 gives teachers information about what students need in the following areas of reading: letter naming, phonological awareness, phonics, and fluency. When the assessment is complete, teachers will share information with parents/guardians. Results of the reading screening will be used by teachers to plan for each student’s instructional needs.
Next Steps After Screening
The screener provides a first look at areas in which students may need extra support. Teachers will plan targeted instruction or intervention in areas of need. Students will be provided with individual or small group, targeted supplemental instruction during the school day to address reading skills. In reading, supplemental instruction means evidence-based, sequential, systematic, explicit and cumulative instruction or intervention to mastery of foundational reading skills including: phonological or phonemic awareness and processing phonics and vocabulary to support development of decoding, spelling, fluency, and reading comprehension skills to meet grade level standards. Parents/guardians will receive quarterly progress reports from the teacher.
MSDE Checklist for Identifying Reading Difficulties and Dyslexia by age
Dyslexia Myths and Facts -Information about the research on reading difficulties and intervention strategies
College & Career Readiness Testing
Accuplacer Test
The Accuplacer Test is a placement test used by community colleges, four-year colleges, and technical schools around the world. This nationally-normed test provides fast, accurate assessment of an incoming college students’ ability to access college freshman coursework. It also identifies students who need remedial coursework.
AP Tests
The Advanced Placement Exams (AP) are given in May at both North Caroline High and Colonel Richardson High Schools. Students who take AP courses are expected to take AP exams. Over 400 college institutions may grant college credit to students who earn a qualifying score of 3, 4, or 5.
Pre-SAT
The Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT) gives students the opportunity to practice for the SAT I. The PSAT allows the student to find information about various colleges and enter scholarship competitions. Caroline County administers the PSAT to all 10th graders at no cost to the students. Eleventh grade students, who elect to take the PSAT by paying the required testing fee and score well, may be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship. Students who take the PSAT are provided access to the College Board’s Big Future program that indicates AP testing potential and allows them to search for colleges and prepare for the SAT.
SAT
The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) consists of two different tests, the SAT I and the SAT II. The SAT I measures a student’s critical reading, mathematics and writing skills. It is used to assess the student’s readiness for college level work. Caroline County administers the SAT I to all 11th graders at no cost to the students. The SAT II is designed to measure a student’s knowledge in a specific subject and his/her ability to apply that knowledge. SAT II tests are available in areas such as literature, sciences, languages, math and history. Students should check with the college of their choice to determine which entrance exam is required by that institution. If a student qualifies for the free and reduced lunch program his/her qualifies for two free SAT tests beginning in 11th grade and four (4) free college applications.
ACT
The American College Test (ACT) is a widely accepted college entrance exam. It assesses high school students’ general educational development and their ability to complete college level work. The multiple-choice tests cover four skill areas: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. The Writing Test, which is optional, measures skills in planning and writing a short essay. Students should check with the college of their choice to determine which entrance exam is required by the institution. If a student qualifies for the free and reduced lunch program he/she qualifies for two free tests beginning in 11th grade.
Career & Technology Education Assessments
CTE students will have the opportunity to earn state-issued professional licenses, full industry certification or pathway industry certification by participating in various industry assessments.
ASVAB
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test is given to all juniors every year. The ASVAB is a comprehensive aptitude test and it is given, free of charge, to all juniors in our school system. An aptitude is the capability a student has developed through experience or education that indicates his/her current readiness to become proficient in a certain type of activity, given the opportunity to do so. The instrument provides comparative scores for verbal, math, science, and technical areas which are comparable to SAT results. A Department of Defense employee administers the test but the scores are not given to military recruiters unless the student gives permission. This is an excellent tool to use as students finalize his/her career choices.
Contacts
Michael Julius
Supervisor of Accountability & Student Data
410.479.3054 x1129 | [email protected]
Cheryl Lawrence
Technology Coordinator / PowerSchool Administrator
410.479.2896 x1151 | [email protected]