Mission
The Division of Assessment, Accountability, and Performance Reporting provides assessment, accountability, and technical support for all 24 local education agencies. We provide resources to help develop world-class students who are lifelong learners and productive, responsible citizens of a global society.
We support fair, valid, and reliable assessment, data-informed decision-making, and systemic planning.
Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP)
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires that states administer annual statewide assessments to all students in English Language Arts/Literacy and Mathematics in grades 3-8 and once in high school, as well as in science once in each grade span (3-5, 6-8 and high school), and annual English language proficiency assessments in grades K-12 for all English learners. In addition to these federally mandated assessments, Maryland State law (Md. Ed. Art §7-203) requires a social studies assessment once in the middle school grade band (which will be administered in Grade 8) and the High School Assessment in American Government. Maryland also provides Alternate Assessments written to the Alternate Standards for those students who require this accommodation. Additionally, the majority of Maryland kindergarteners are administered the KRA to determine their readiness for kindergarten.