State Testing Programs

The Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) encompasses all state assessments and is designed to provide information that helps strengthen instruction and improve performance so that graduates are ready to move into the workforce or postsecondary studies.

Kindergarten Readiness Assessment

The Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA) is administered to kindergartners, measuring school readiness in four developmental domains: social foundations, physical well-being and motor development, language and literacy, and mathematics. The KRA identifies children’s individual needs, enabling teachers to make informed instructional decisions.

MCAP English Language Arts/Literacy and Mathematics

English Language Arts/Literacy and Mathematics assessments are given in grades 3-8 and in designated high school courses. Taking the MCAP Algebra 1 and English 10 exams is a graduation requirement.

Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (MISA)

The Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (MISA) is designed to meet federal testing requirements for grades 5, 8 and 10. MISA exams measure content aligned to Maryland science standards. To meet the grade 10 requirement, students will typically take this exam at the conclusion of their high school Biology course. Taking the high school MISA exam is required for graduation.

Alternative Assessments

The Multi-State Alternate Assessment (MSAA) and Alternate Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (Alt-MISA) are designed to measure academic content that is aligned to and derived from Maryland content standards. They support academic outcomes for students with significant cognitive disabilities. The MSAA is administered in English/language arts and mathematics in grades 3-8 and 11. The Alt-MISA is administered in science in grades 5, 8 and 11.

Government High School Assessment (HSA)

The Government HSA is a state-level, end-of-course exam aimed at raising academic standards and preparing graduates to compete in the workplace and post-secondary education. High school students enrolled in Government must take the exam at the completion of the course. Taking and passing the HSA is a graduation requirement.

English Language Proficiency Assessment

English language proficiency assessments are administered to English learners in grades kindergarten through 12 upon their entry into the school system and annually during a testing window in the second semester. The assessments measure a student’s English language proficiency in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, writing, comprehension and literacy. See Calendar Handbook for additional information.

National Testing Programs

Advanced Placement (AP) Exams

AP is a program of college-level courses available at all high schools. National exams administered by the College Board allow students to potentially earn college credit for high scores. FCPS strongly urges students to challenge themselves by taking AP classes and the exams. Students may use scores on select exams to meet College and Career Readiness requirements.

College Entrance Exams

FCPS offers opportunities for high school students to take the optional SAT, ACT, and ACCUPLACER, examinations as well as the PSAT, a preliminary exam. Registration and other college-entrance information are available in high school counseling offices and online. Registration deadlines are typically a month before the test date. Students may use scores on select subtests of the SAT, ACT, and ACCUPLACER exams to meet College and Career Readiness requirements.

Through a partnership with Frederick Community College, ACCUPLACER is administered at each high school on different dates in the spring. Contact high school counseling offices for these dates.

*FCPS will administer a School Day SAT for 11th grade students only.