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.

End of Course Exams (EOCs)

On July 25, 2023, the Maryland State Board of Education passed (COMAR) 13A.03.02 Graduation Requirements for Public High Schools in Maryland and 13A.03.04 Test Administration and Data Reporting Policies and Procedures. Starting in school year 2023-2024, for first time ninth graders, the American Government and the Life Science Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (LS MISA) End of Course Exams will count for 20% of students’ final grades in the respective American Government and life science course.