What standardized assessments are being delivered in spring of 2021?

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English Language Arts and Mathematics
The Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) for English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics has been postponed until Fall of 2021. Federal law requires yearly assessments in ELA and mathematics for students in grades 3-8. In addition, Maryland assesses high school students using Algebra I/English 10 for accountability and to fulfill graduation requirements for the corresponding courses. The testing for 3-8, Algebra I and English 10, will be completed at the start of the 2021-2022 school year. Students will be in grades 4-9, Geometry and English 11 as they sit for the postponed tests. The alternate assessment program for students with significant cognitive disabilities will also be delivered in fall to fulfill federal requirements.

In the absence of MCAP ELA and mathematics, the HCPSS will be administering the Measures of Academic Progress Assessment (MAP) for reading and mathematics to students in grades 1-8 in the Spring of 2021. The MAP data will provide families with an update on their student's academic growth. Details on testing dates will be provided by each school.

Science
The state of Maryland has filed a request with the United States Department of Education to have the science testing in grades 5, 8 and 11 waived for the 2020-2021 school year. If the waiver is approved, students will not need to test for science. If the waiver is denied, science testing that would have occurred in Spring of 2021 for grades 5, 8 and 11, will be postponed to Fall of 2021.

Social Studies
Students in Maryland are assessed for social studies in grade 8 and at the completion of the American Government course in high school. Both assessments have been cancelled for the 2020-2021 and will not be rescheduled. Students who pass the American Government course in 2020-2021 are waived from taking the American Government assessment as a graduation requirement.