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What Can Students Do to Prepare for the High School Assessments? |
Pay attention to organization and study skills.
The high school assessments will cover content from the entire year, so you'll have to organize all your notes and be able to make connections between the information covered in each unit.
When in elementary and middle school, take the MSPAP tests seriously.
They're good practice for the kinds of skills you'll need in high school.
Brush up on your writing skills.
No matter what you do, you'll need to know how to write well.
Answer short answer and essay questions thoroughly. Be sure to provide sufficient detail and explanation when responding.
Manage your time carefully.
One study found that good time-management predicted good grades in college better than SAT scores.
Are You Ready for the Future?
What will the new tests measure?
The high school assessments will measure student skills and knowledge in the basic subject areas of English, mathematics, science, and social studies. They will also determine how well a student can write, solve complex problems, and use technology in finding solutions.
What will the test look like?
Students taking the first phase will have three tests—in English 1, algebra or geometry, and government—to take and pass before graduation. some students also may have a biology test to complete. Tests will have a mix of short and long answer and multiple choice questions. English will have pre-test activity such as reading while science may require conducting in-class experiments. Questions will require students to think and apply knowledge, not just memorize facts.
What happens if a student fails a test?
There will be help such as tutoring for students who do not pass a test. Students will be allowed to retake the examination. We want to make sure that everyone has the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.
How have the tests been developed?
The high school assessments are based on the state's core learning goals, which detail what students should learn in 12 basic subject areas. many Maryland teachers reviewed the goals, and some teachers helped to develop the tests. Test developers also considered a variety of national and international graduation exams as well, including those from England, Germany, and France, the New York Regents Examinations, and the Advanced Placement (AP) exams.
Are the high school tests like MSPAP?
The intent is the same—to prepare students for the challenges of higher education or employment. But while the MSPAP (Maryland School Performance Assessment Program) focuses on school performance, the high school exams will focus on school and individual student performance. Like the MSPAP, information from high school test results will help schools and teachers improve instruction. And both assessments are parts of Maryland's overall school improvement program.
Why do we need new high school tests?
In order to get a good job or enter college, Maryland students need to know more in-depth content and be able to use more complex skills than they did when the current functional tests were designed almost two decades ago. Business groups and higher education officials have repeatedly expr4essed strong support for the State Board's efforts to align today's programs with tomorrow's needs. The functional tests will be eliminated for general student use once the new high school tests are in place.
CLICK HERE to see how this assessment initiative impacts high school graduation requirements.
For more information about the Maryland High School Assessment or any other State education initiative call MSDE's Public Information line at (410) 767-0600 in the Baltimore Metro area or 1-888-246-0016 statewide. Check out the MSDE Internet web site at this address:
CLICK HERE for staff development ideas to assist staff in helping students to understand how they can prepare for the State high school assessments.
