The Maryland School Assessment (MSA) is a test of reading and math
achievement that meets the testing requirements of the federal No Child Left
Behind Act. The test is given each year in early March in reading and math at
grades 3 through 8 and in reading at grade 10. The MSA is also given in geometry
after students complete a geometry course. As early as March 2008, science will
be added in grades 3, 5, and 8. Scores from the MSA and other state tests
are posted on the Web at www.mdreportcard.org.
Additionally, more score information can be found at
www.pgcps.org/~scores.
General MSA Information
- The test includes multiple-choice questions and questions requiring
written responses.
- It measures basic as well as higher level skills.
- Students take the tests for approximately 90 minutes each day. There are
four days of testing––two days for reading and two days for math.
- Parents will receive scores for third, fifth, eighth, and tenth graders in
spring 2004 and scores for fourth, sixth, and seventh graders after
performance standards are set in summer 2004.
- The scores will show how well students learned the reading and mathematics
skills in the Voluntary
State Curriculum. MSA scores will also show how children performed
compared to other students across the nation.
