Understanding the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP): What Families Need to Know

If you're a PGCPS parent or guardian, you’ve likely heard of the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program, or ‘MCAP.’ These tests are more than just numbers – they are one of many tools that help educators, families, and the public understand how students are progressing toward mastering Maryland’s academic standards. 

MCAP also gives critical insights into student growth and how students in their demographic performed compared to their peers across the state.

“Are students growing at acceptable rates and how do we accelerate that growth?”

~Interim Superintendent Dr. Shawn Joseph

Here's what you need to know.

What Is MCAP?

MCAP is Maryland’s statewide testing program designed to measure how well students are learning the skills and knowledge outlined in state content standards. The results provide important feedback to schools, families, and state leaders to ensure students are on track for future success.

Why Do Students Take the MCAP?

The MCAP assessments are not just a state requirement – they’re also part of federal law. Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), all states must assess student proficiency annually in:

• English Language Arts (ELA): Grades 3–8 and once in high school
• Mathematics: Grades 3–8 and once in high school
• Science: Once in grades 5, 8, and high school (Biology)

Maryland law also requires:

• A Social Studies assessment in Grade 8
• A high school American Government assessment

These tests are designed to evaluate student understanding and ensure accountability across schools and districts.

When Do PGCPS Students Take the MCAP?

Here’s a quick breakdown of what grade students are tested and when:

• Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA) – At the start of kindergarten from August until October.
• English Language Arts (ELA) – Grades 3–8 and Grade 10 in May
• Mathematics – Grades 3–8 and once in high school in May
• Science – Grades 5 and 8 in March
• Biology – High school in May
• English Language Proficiency (for Multilingual Learners) – Grades K–12 in February 
• Social Studies – Grade 8 in May
• American Government – High school in May

Why Are These Tests Important?

MCAP tests are a graduation requirement to participate in for the state of Maryland. To earn a Maryland high school diploma, students must participate in one high school assessment for:

• English Language Arts
• Mathematics
• Science
• Government

These tests help demonstrate that students have acquired key skills in each of these core areas.

Where Can I Find My Student’s Test Results?

Families receive an Individual Student Report (ISR) for each test taken, once the school receives them from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Results from Spring 2025 testing will be distributed to families September 15-26. 

If you're looking for broader school or district performance data, visit the Maryland School Report Card website.

What If My Student Doesn’t Score Well?

It’s okay – not every student will hit a high score on their first try, and not scoring “proficient” doesn’t mean students are not performing on grade level. What matters most is participation and growth. If a student doesn’t score proficiently, they’ll receive extra support such as:

• Online review tools
• Small group sessions with teachers
• Extra academic help during or after school

These supports are designed to help students improve and feel more confident the next time around.

What Are Other Ways PGCPS Assesses Student Academic Growth? 

• DIBELS assessment in grades Kindergarten through Third
• Benchmark (ELA, Math, Science and Social Studies) in grades Kindergarten through Twelve
• ACCESS in grades Kindergarten through Twelve for multilingual learners
• SAT in grade 10
• Graduation Rate

Can a Student Still Graduate Without a Proficient Score?

Yes! Graduation in Maryland requires only participation in MCAP tests – not necessarily achieving a proficient score. That means even if a student doesn't earn a top score, as long as they sit for the required assessments, they remain on track to graduate.

Still Have Questions?

Join our virtual Family Institute session, Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) Results: A Guide to Individual Student Reports, on Tuesday, September 16 at 5:30 pm. Learn how to read and understand your child’s MCAP results once you receive their individual report.

You can also visit the PGCPS testing webpage for more detailed information. You can also contact your child’s professional school counselor for help interpreting test results or understanding what’s next.