Standardized Test Prep in Maryland
Every year, the state of Maryland assesses student progress by way of the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP). This program serves many purposes and includes various Maryland standardized tests, some of which begin as early as kindergarten. These assessments measure student progress in math, English/language arts (ELA), science, and social studies, just to name a few, as well as their mastery of state standards.
This page includes information on each Maryland state assessment test, when they are administered, how Time4Learning can help students prepare and succeed, and more.
Which State Tests Are Available in Maryland?
From kindergarten readiness to general education and English language proficiency, Maryland standardized tests are designed to meet a number of important goals. In addition to measuring student progress and ensuring each child is meeting the required standards, Maryland state testing also seeks to understand how schools within each district are performing and determine any areas where extra support and services are required.
Below is a list of each Maryland state assessment test as well as helpful information on each one.
- English Language Arts and Literacy – Mathematics – These end-of-course assessments are administered towards the end of the school year to students in grades 3-8 and high school. Students are assessed on a number of state standards that include reading comprehension, solving multi-step math problems, and more.
- Multi-State Alternate Assessment (MSAA) – This assessment measures progress in ELA and mathematics for students in grades 3-8 and 11 with significant cognitive disabilities. The online assessment is made up of multiple choice and constructed response questions.
- Maryland Integrated Science Assessments (MISA) – The state’s science assessment for grades 5, 8, and high school measures students’ knowledge in the state’s Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
- Alternate Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (Alt-MISA) – This alternate science assessment for grades 5, 8 and 11 is designed for students with significant cognitive disabilities. This online assessment is in multiple choice format.
- High School Assessments (HSA) – These end-of-course assessments measure high school students’ progress and knowledge in science and government. Passing the HSA is a requirement for graduation.
- ACCESS for ELLs – This English language proficiency assessment for English Learners (EL) in grades K-12 is designed to monitor their progress in learning English. Students are assessed in listening, speaking, reading and writing.
- Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA) – This kindergarten entry assessment tests students in math, ELA, social foundations, physical well-being and motor development.
- Social Studies 8 – This middle school social studies assessment for eighth graders is designed to measure their knowledge of U.S. History from 1763-1890. Additionally, students are assessed on several skills including their ability to evaluate the credibility of text sources and create arguments by using and referencing claims and evidence.
Many parents have voiced their opposition to Maryland state testing. However, the state currently has no laws or policies that allow parents to opt their children out of standardized testing. Families who wish to do so should speak with their child’s school and/or school district to share their concerns and discuss their options.
Do Homeschoolers Have To Take Standardized Tests in Maryland?
Per Maryland homeschool laws, homeschoolers in the Old Line State are not required to take part in Maryland state testing. However, if a parent chooses to have their child tested, they should contact their school district to discuss their options and make any necessary arrangements.
How Time4Learning Can Help With Maryland Test Prep
As an award-winning, comprehensive curriculum, Time4Learning can help families in Maryland prep for the state’s standardized tests. Whether your student is in kindergarten and taking the KRA or in high school getting ready to graduate, Time4Learning can help them prep for all those important skills and concepts in math, language arts, science and social studies.
Here are some reasons why families turn to Time4Learning to help their students succeed on each Maryland state assessment test.
- Dozens of animated lessons, instructional videos, worksheets, quizzes and tests to enhance your student’s literacy skills in our language arts curriculum.
- Engaging, online format makes practicing for Maryland state testing fun and effective.
- Our solid math curriculum helps students gain a thorough understanding of basic math concepts and lays the foundation for more complex topics which boosts confidence and reduces test taking anxiety.
- PreK-12th grade, student-paced curriculum is perfect for students of all grades, ages and abilities.
- As an IBCCES certified autism resource, students with special needs can practice for Maryland’s alternate assessments in math, English language arts, science and social studies.
- Students can practice their math facts in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division with Time4MathFacts, included with the Time4Learning membership, so they can feel confident when taking the math portion of Maryland standardized tests.
- Students can practice their reading comprehension and writing skills for the ELA sections of their end-of-course assessments with thousands of lessons and printable worksheets.
The software is a game changer!
By Regina
“…she leaped ahead of her peers on her state test when returned to public school, we used it during homebound when there was a mismedication, and use it now as a supplement for a teacher that refuses to teach.”
Additional Resources
- Homeschooling in Maryland
- Maryland Homeschool Groups and Co-ops
- Maryland Homeschool Associations
- Maryland Homeschool Umbrella Schools
- Maryland Field Trip Ideas
- Maryland Unit Study Supplement
