All students who entered the 9th grade for the first time in the fall of 2005 and students who entered thereafter are required to sit and pass four HSA tests as part of their graduation requirement.Those HSA assessments are English 10, Algebra 1,Biology,& Government.
Students must achieve a 1602 or high combined score to fulfill the HSA requirement. See passing score information below. There is no limit to the number of times a student may retake a test. Therefore, testing opportunities are provided four times during the school year and once during the summer.All test administrations with the exception of May are for students who have previously completed an HSA course and need to retake a test(s) to achieve a higher score. Although repeat test takers may retake an HSA in May, the targeted group for this administration is students currently enrolled in an HSA course for the first time.
The target grade levels are as follows:See Passing Scores below.
To learn more about the HSA, Visit: http://mdk12.org/assessments/high_school/index.html or Visit:www.hsaexam.org
To see how Northwestern students'are performing,also Visit: www.mdreportcard.orgThe Mod-HSA is an online assessment administered to students receiving Special Education services. Students must meet a specific criteria outlined in the MAM to qualify for this assessment.The same four subjects that are tested in the HSA are also tested with the Mod.The Mod-HSA is administered during the same dates and times as the HSA.
See the HSA Testing Calendar above for specific test dates.
To learn more about the MOD-HSA, Visit:http://mdk12.org/assessments/high_school/index_d2.html
The ALT MSA is an alternative assessment for students enrolled in the CRI program. Students who are of the targeted age group, usually 2nd year 10th graders, complete a portfolio demonstrating their mastery of objectives in reading, mathematics, and science.Students begin work on their portfolio at the start of the school year and complete them in the spring. See Alt MSA score information below.
To learn more about the ALT MSA, Visit:www.marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/testing/alt_msa/?WBCMODE=Presentatio%3e%3e%3e%3e.html
HSA & ALT MSA Passing Scores