How We Measure Progress

How does MSDE determine College and Career Readiness?

Maryland State Department of Education uses the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) for English 10 and a high school math course to determine College and Career Readiness. Additional measures will be announced later this school year.

How does FCPS determine readiness for Learning Journey milesones?

FCPS uses multiple and varied measures, aligned to MCAP, to ensure students are showing readiness for Learning Journey milestones. The graphic on the next page shows some of the assessments our schools use to measure student progress. Additionally, schools use grades, attendance, discipline, and other data to support the whole child and determine the best pathways to ensure growth towards and beyond readiness.

FCPS Continuum of Assessment

What measures are used to determine readiness along the Learning Journey?

 

PK

K

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9-10

Foundational Literacy Assessments

X

                    

Math Snapshots or Benchmarks

X

X

X

X

              

Kindergarten Readiness Assessment

  

X

                  

Cognitive Abilities Test

      

X

    

X

        

DIBELS Reading Screener

  

X

X

X

X

            

DIBELS Oral Reading Fluency

          

X

X

        

i-Ready Math Diagnostic

    

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

  

i-Ready Reading Diagnostic

    

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

ALEKS Math Assessment

              

X

X

X

X

Unit/Module Assessment (Math)

        

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Unit/Module Assessment (ELA)

        

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

MCAP ELA/Literacy & Math

        

X

X

X

X

X

X

X*

*Students typically take these assessments by the end of Grade 10, starting with Algebra 1 and English 10.

How does FCPS respond to the readiness data?

When students are not yet showing readiness, FCPS offers support pathways that help accelerate student learning. When students show early readiness, they receive personalized, rigorous pathways that provide exciting opportunities for continued growth. Sometimes students need both pathways, based on individual needs.

How do I know if my child is showing readiness for Learning Journey milestones?

Throughout the year, you may receive reports for some of our Learning Journey assessments, such as Amplify DIBELS (Grades K-3); Cognitive Abilities Test (Grades 2 and 5), i-Ready Reading (Grades 1 - 10) and i-Ready Math (Grades 1-8); and MCAP. While these measures are strong indicators of readiness and areas of need, school teams use multiple measures to determine appropriate support pathways and rigorous post-readiness pathways for each and every student.

How can I help my child on the Learning Journey?

The success of each student depends on strong communication between families and schools. In addition to the more formal data reports sent home, it’s important for families to help students monitor grades, attendance, and performance on classwork and homework. Please contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions.

Assessment Calendars