|
Testing Programs
Criterion-Referenced Evaluation System (CRES) FCPS uses CRES tests to determine how well students have mastered our essential curriculum through daily instruction. The assessments consist of selected-response (multiple-choice) and constructed-response (essay and short-answer) items. CRES results are used to ascertain students’ and schools’ progress toward meeting accepted standards for student performance and to establish the steps necessary to improve instruction and performance.
Final Examinations High school students take final examinations in English, mathematics, social studies, science, art, ninth-grade physical education/health, and Level I and II foreign language courses. The letter grades assigned to the examinations count for 20% of students’ final course grades. School-sponsored events are prohibited on the afternoons and evenings preceding end-of-semester examinations.
Stanford Achievement Test, Tenth Edition (SAT-10) The SAT-10 is a norm-referenced standardized assessment that is administered to all FCPS second graders. Results provide parents and school staff with additional information about students’ progress in reading, mathematics and science one year prior to the first administration of the MSA. Results are also used as part of the county’s readiness standards for the end of second grade.
Maryland School Assessments (MSA) The state's testing program is designed to meet requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). The MSA includes multiple-choice and constructed-response items. Students receive individual test results. In early April, students will take the MSA in reading and math in grades 3 through 8. In late April, students will take the MSA in science in grades 5 and 8. Grade 10 MSA requirements are met by HSA exams in algebra and English 10.
High School Assessments (HSA) These state-level, end-of-course exams are aimed at raising academic standards and preparing graduates to compete in the workplace and post-secondary education. Middle and high school students enrolled in Algebra/Data Analysis, English 10, Biology and Government 9 must take the exams at the completion of each course. Beginning with the graduating class of 2009, students are required to pass the exams in order to graduate. For more information, see High School Assessments on this website and the Maryland State Department of Education's website.
Advanced Placement Exams
AP is a program of rigorous, college-level courses available at all high schools. National exams administered by the College Board allow students to earn college credit for high scores. FCPS strongly urges students to challenge themselves by taking AP classes and the exams. Testing dates for 2009-10 are May 3-14.
SAT and ACT Exams FCPS offers several opportunities for high school students to take the optional SAT and ACT examinations. Successful performance on one of these two national exams is a widely accepted college entrance requirement. Schools also offer SAT preparatory courses and the PSAT, a preliminary exam. Registration and other college entrance information is available in high school guidance offices. Registration deadlines are typically a month before the test date.
Test dates for 2009-10 include:
|
PSAT |
ACT |
SAT |
| October 14* |
September 12 |
October 10 |
| October 17 |
October 24 |
November 7 |
|
December 12 |
December 5 |
|
February 6 |
January 23 |
|
April 10 |
March 13 (SAT-1 only) |
|
June 12 |
May 1 |
|
|
June 5 | * Provided free of charge for FCPS 10th graders; given during the school day |
|
