CC: Networks Facilitators and Executive Directors

CC: Networks Facilitators and Executive Directors

Announcement

To: Principals

CC: Networks Facilitators and Executive Directors

From: Office of Achievement and Accountability

Date: 8/31/2012

Re: Update on SY 2012-13 MSA and HSA Testing Administration

Below are updates to the administration of the SY 2012-2013 Maryland School Assessment and High School Assessment. Please contact Carol Wilson, Director of Assessment, with any questions ().

Maryland School Assessment (Grades 3-8)

Elimination of Mod-MSA

  • Beginning in spring 2013, all students with disabilities in grades 3 through 8, will take the MSA reading and mathematics. Student with significant cognitive disabilities will take the Alternate Maryland School Assessment (Alt-MSA).
  • Students with disabilities will continue to receive modified instruction, research-based and/or evidenced-based interventions, and instructional supports as recommended by the IEP Team, and documented in the student’s IEP.
  • RESOURCE: The website provides teachers and parents with public release test items and answer keys. The public release items provide students an opportunity to practice and respond to similar test items that can be found on the MSA test. Students will become familiar with the format and how questions are presented.
  • Please review the MSDE Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document on the elimination of mod-MSA for more information.

Alt-MSA Portfolio Development Window – New Date!

  • The Alternate MSA (Alt-MSA) Portfolio Development Window is September 4, 2012- February 26, 2013.

SY 2012-2013 MSA Reading Online Testing Notification - New testing format!

  • For Grades 5 and 7, the MSA Reading Test will be available online for students to take. This is optional for schools.
  • Schools may administer the MSA reading online test between March 4-22, 2013
  • The paper test administration windows will remain the same as previously posted, March 4-19, 2013.
  • Practice online tests for these two grades will be made available early in the 2012-2013 school year.

High School Assessment (Grades 9-12)

Government High School Assessment ( HSA) Reinstatement

  • The HSA Government Assessment has been reinstated beginning SY 2012-13.
  • All students taking a Government Course should also be administered the Government HSA.
  • Administration window for SY 2012-2013: January 2013 and May 2013.
  • Graduation Requirement
  • For SY 12-13 passing the HSA Government is NOT a graduation requirement.
  • Beginning in the 2013-2014 and beyond, passing the HSA Government IS a graduation requirement for students entering 9th grade. The Government HSA will be administered to any student taking the Government course.
  • Please review the MSDE Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document on the reinstatement of Government HSA.
  • MSDE will provide districts with additional administration details for the Government HSA in the future.
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