The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) today released student data for the 2022-2023 school year on MCAP assessments in mathematics, English Language Arts (ELA) and science. MCAP, or Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program, assessments measure a student’s mastery of content and readiness for the next grade level and is reported by MSDE using four levels.

• Level 4: Distinguished Learners.
  • Distinguished learners demonstrate advanced proficiency. Students are well prepared for the next grade level or course and are well prepared for college and career readiness.
• Level 3: Proficient Learners.
  • Proficient learners demonstrate proficiency. Students are prepared for the next grade level or course and are on track for college and career readiness.  
• Level 2: Developing Learners. 
  • Developing learners demonstrate partial proficiency. Students need additional academic support to ensure success in the next grade level or course and to be on track for college and career readiness.
• Level 1: Beginning Learners.
  • Beginning learners do not yet demonstrate proficiency. Students need substantial academic support to be prepared for the next grade level or course and to be on track for college and career readiness.

MCAP data is reported as percent proficient, which includes students who achieve Level 3 or Level 4. These students are considered prepared for the next grade level. Data released by MSDE today for Charles County shows some student proficiency gains in mathematics, ELA and science, but also indicates focal areas for overall and targeted grade-level improvements. Students across Maryland, including CCPS, continue to gain ground from learning losses associated with the pandemic.

The charts below outline Charles County MCAP data for 2023 in comparison with last year, and pre-pandemic data from 2019.

At the request of MSDE in 2019, the Algebra II assessment was only to be administered to middle school students. CCPS did not administer the Algebra II assessment in 2019.

Superintendent of Schools Maria V. Navarro, Ed.D., said CCPS continues to target individualized student needs and offer extra supports to ensure students are making academic gains and closing gaps in mastering content.

“We continue to target learning losses associated from the pandemic, as well as individual student needs in math, ELA and science, and in other content areas. This targeted work is embedded in the school system’s strategic plan priority area of student learning and achievement. From progress monitoring through i-Ready and the expansion of supplemental tutoring programs to continuous teacher professional development, we are identifying and targeting learning needs for students that support individualized learning plans to increase student success,” Navarro said.

CCPS has used the i-Ready assessment for the past two school years to monitor student progress. Students in Grades 1-8, as well those enrolled in Algebra I and English I (freshmen) take i-Ready assessments three times per school year. Data from these assessments identifies for teachers student areas of mastery, as well as gives them data on areas for student growth and improvement. I-Ready scores indicate student growth from where a student starts the year and ends the year, whereas Maryland State assessments indicate grade level proficiency at the end of the year. Teachers use both data points to plan instruction that targets specific areas of improvement.

Other strategies in place to target student growth include the expansion of summer learning programs for students in 2023. An additional 300 students benefited from summer boost programs this year opposed to participation in 2022. These students were identified for in-person summer extended-learning offerings and provided with free transportation. Data from i-Ready scores for students who attended extended learning programs last summer showed improvement in reading and math versus their peers. CCPS offered all students virtual tutoring resources this summer with 384 students attending one or more sessions. CCPS will continue to offer these supports during the school year.  

CCPS also continues to offer students extended learning opportunities throughout the school year. These include resources such as reading and math interventions being offered at schools and available for use at home, targeted supports in the classroom, both in-person and virtual tutoring, and virtual instructional support programs.

At the elementary level, teachers use Into Reading curriculum that targets literacy and work with students in whole groups and small reading blocks to address foundational skills. Elementary school teachers also use the MyPath program that features individualized instructional tools for students based off their i-Ready reading and math results. Middle and high school teachers also use MyPath to target individualized instruction. Additionally, all middle schools will be offering math and literacy labs to provide additional class time to focus on targeted improvement. CCPS middle and high schools also provide extended learning opportunities, tutoring and both grade and credit recovery.

CCPS expanded professional development for teachers, including two mandatory summer sessions in which literacy, math and science curriculum and instructional strategies were shared. The school system embeds professional development for teachers into the school year annually, with a focus on training teachers in how to best teach CCPS curriculum. Elementary and middle school teachers also receive math and ELA coaching.

“We need to continue our laser focus on improving our student achievement to close gaps and accelerate student learning; especially at a time when locally and nationally, our students’ academic achievement data has been deeply impacted. We know this requires effective teachers and staff along with supportive leaders in every school. That is why we will continue to invest in staff development and learning best practices from one another, along with ensuring that we use evidence-based instructional materials and pedagogy. While our data shows many areas of improvement, we must continue to work to ensure every student meets with success,” Navarro said.

Individual student reports for MCAP assessments will be sent home to parents later next month, once MSDE provides them. An overview of the MCAP program is posted here on the MSDE website.  

About CCPS

Charles County Public Schools provides 27,598 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 37 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Kathy Kiessling, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.

CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).