TESTS AT A GLANCE

Descriptions and information about each specific test can be found below.

PSAT/SAT

Prior to PSAT or SAT administration on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 (7:45am), there is a two-part pre-administration session. First, to save time during the actual test administration, certain information about your child will be provided to the College Board (the provider of the PSAT and SAT), in advance of the testing date. This information covers basic information such as name, school, state, student ID, grade, gender, and date of birth. In addition, MCPS shares information with College Board regarding students who qualify for a fee waiver, which is utilized solely for that purpose and is not otherwise tracked or maintained by College Board.

Second, your child will have the opportunity to participate, with your consent, in the optional Student Data Questionnaire. The College Board gives students and families complete discretion regarding any voluntary information they provide as part of the Student Data Questionnaire. Information gathered is used for group reporting, for analysis to ensure that the exams are fair for all groups, to connect your child with potential colleges or scholarship opportunities, and for research. Read more about the Student Data Questionnaire on the second page.

To provide consent for your child to participate in the optional Student Data Questionnaire, you must return the signed consent form to the main office by October 1, 2021. Whether or not you consent for your child to participate in the optional Student Data Questionnaire, your child will still be able to participate in the PSAT or SAT School Day. Quince Orchard High School staff will be working with your student over the next several weeks to prepare for administration, and we will be communicating important details before test day. If you have any further questions, please contact Mrs. Edith Lee, assistant principal (Edith_u_lee@mcpsmd.org). Link ←Click here to see more information. Information about online payment will be available next week.

MAP

The Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Growth in Math and Reading are standardized assessments that are administered to high school students grades 9 - 12. These diagnostic assessments determine students' present performance levels on math and literacy standards. The testing window is September 8th through October 8th. The test is computer-based for all students.

The MAP-R will be administered on Wednesday, September 22nd and Thursday, September 23rd; the MAP-M will be administered on Wednesday, September 29th and Thursday, September 30th. Due to MAP testing, students will follow modified schedules for the weeks of September 20th and the week of September 27th. These dates will allow the test administration to avoid conflicts with other school events as well as avoid test fatigue for students. The MAP Growth assessments are designed to be given in one test session, not over multiple days of testing.

Modifications will be made to the bell schedule during testing to accommodate testing on these dates. This will allow for continuity of instruction.

MCAP & MISA

Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) is an umbrella for annual statewide assessment for ELA/Literacy/Mathematics and Science. The English Language Arts (ELA) test is a computer-based and paper test (for designated students) which focuses on reading and understanding literature and informational text, as well as writing effectively when analyzing texts. The mathematics exam will focus on applying skills and concepts, understanding multi-step problems that require abstract reasoning and modeling real-world problems. The Science (MISA) will focus on the ability to demonstrate the essential knowledge and understanding of Science and Engineering.

  • The Science (MISA) exam which consists of one 60 minute section will be administered on Wednesday, October 7th. All students in grade 9 will complete the MISA 8 exam which they were not able to take during their eighth grade year. Students in grades 10 – 12 that are not in biology and have not previously taken the MISA will also test on this date.
  • The Mathematics (MCAP) exam which consists of two sections (Section 1: 20 minutes – non-calculator; Section 2: 45 minutes – calculator) will be administered on Tuesday, October 12th.
    • Students in grade 9 who took Algebra 1 last year in middle school will take the Algebra 1 exam.
    • Students in grade 9 that took Geometry last year in middle school will take the Geometry exam.
    • Students in grade 9 that took Algebra 2 in middle school will take the Algebra 2 exam.
    • All other ninth graders will take the Math Grade 8 exam.
    • Students in grades 10 – 12 that have “not taken” or “not met” Algebra 1 state requirements will take the Algebra 1 exam.
  • The English Language Arts (MCAP) exam which consists of two sections (Section 1 – 70 minutes; Section 2 – 70 minutes) will be administered on Thursday, October 14th and Friday, October 15th.
    • All students in grade 9 will take the ELA Grade 9 exam.
    • Students in grades 10 – 12 that have “not taken” the ELA 10 exam will take the exam on the aforementioned dates.