August 28th, 2024 by WCBC Radio

Results from the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program or MCAP for the 2023-24 school year showed modest increases in English Language Arts and mathematics scores.  The results were revealed at the State Board of Education meeting.  Geoff Sanderson, Deputy State Superintendent, said there has been very little change in the scoring since 2022…

 

“Very little change from prior year to current in results and even when you look at the over 3 year testing period from 2022, 2023, and then 2024, your net difference is approximately 3 percentage point improvement.”

Dr. Carey Wright, State Superintendent of Schools created a task force earlier this year to examine the state’s assessment systems. The task force is expected to provide a report at the end of the year…

 

“The data has got to be used in order to be effective.  It’s one thing to what gets measured is what gets done, but we don’t just test for testing sake.  We test to identify children early who need the help the most and as well to accelerate those that don’t need the help the most. It’s both end of the spectrum. But If we don’t use the data, we are not going to progress the way we are wanting to progress.”