The Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) measures how schools are performing and how students are progressing towards proficiency on the Maryland state content standards.
http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/DAAIT/Assessment/index.aspx
Students are assessed annually in grades 3-8 in the areas of English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA/L) and Mathematics.
The Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (MISA) is given annually to students in grades 5 and 8. MISA measures students' proficiency on the Next Generation Science Standards.
http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/DAAIT/Assessment/MISA/index.aspx
The Alternate Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (Alt-MISA) is administered to students in grades 5 and 8 with significant cognitive disabilities and for whom MISA would not be appropriate.
http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/DAAIT/Assessment/AMISA/index.aspx
In May 2020, students in grade 8 will take the MCAP Social Studies field test. The assessment will measure students' knowledge of United States History from 1763-1890 as well as their ability to analyze sources and construct arguments using claims.
http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/DCAA/Social-Studies/8GradeUSH.aspx
Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State for English Language Learners is a secure large-scale English language proficiency assessment given to Kindergarten through 12th graders who have been identified as English language learners (ELLs). It is given annually in WIDA Consortium member states to monitor students' progress in acquiring academic English.
http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/DAAIT/Assessment/ELPA/index.aspx
The Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA) is an observational and assessment tool administered to all Kindergarten students within the first few weeks of the school year. The KRA measures skills, knowledge and behaviors kindergarteners should be able to demonstrate at the start of the year.
http://www.marylandpublicshools.org/about/Pages/DAAIT/Assessment/KRA/index.aspx
The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test 8/9 (PSAT 8/9) is given to all 8th grade students during the first week of December. The PSAT 8/9 shares characteristics with other assessments in the SAT suite of assessments. The assessment covers three broad categories - math, reading, and writing and language. The PSAT 8/9 introduces students to the types of questions that can be found on PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10 and SAT. It can also forecast a student's readiness for high school curriculum.
The Otis-Lennon School Ability Test (OLSAT) is administered to all students in 1st and 3rd grades and selected students in 2nd grade. The test is a measure of verbal and non-verbal reasoning ability and abstract thinking. The OLSAT is one of the factors used to determine eligibility into the Talented and Gifted Program (TAG)
The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) is administered to selected students in 4th and 5th grades. This online test is a measure of verbal, quantitative and spatial (non-verbal) reasoning abilities. The CogAT is one of the factors use to determine eligibility into the Talented and Gifted Program (TAG)
Universal screening in reading provides Prince George’s County Public School staff with information about the strengths and needs of each child. The universal screener helps teachers identify students who may have challenges in reading and may need additional support.
Students take NWEA MAP Reading Fluency in the fall. This assessment has been chosen in accordance with Maryland Senate Bill 734, which requires screening of each K-1 student to identify if the student is at risk for reading difficulties. NWEA MAP Reading Fluency is an online assessment that will help determine a student’s phonological awareness, phonics and word recognition, picture vocabulary, and listening comprehension.
When each assessment is complete, teachers will share information with parents/guardians. The results will help families and teachers work together as partners in each child’s education.
MSDE Checklist for Identifying Reading Difficulties and Dyslexia by age
