Data from student MCAP assessments for the 2023-2024 school year was released today by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Across the state, students are showing slow growth on mathematics, English Language Arts (ELA) and science assessments. MCAP, or Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program, assessments measure a student’s mastery of content and readiness for the next grade level.

MCAP assessments are administered annually in ELA, mathematics and science. Students in Grades 3-8 and Grade 10 take the ELA assessment. Students in Grades 3-8 and those taking Algebra I and Algebra II take a math MCAP. Additionally, students in Grades 5 and 8 take a science MCAP.

MCAP assessments include four student performance levels: Beginning Learner, Developing Learner, Proficient Learner and Distinguished Learner. Both distinguished and proficient learners are considered proficient. MCAP data is reported as percent proficient and represents students who are considered prepared for the next grade level.

Data for Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) shows some gains for specific grade levels across ELA and math, but also identifies areas for continued targeted improvement. The charts below outline MCAP data for CCPS students from 2022 to 2024 and includes statewide data.

Superintendent of Schools Maria V. Navarro, Ed.D., said CCPS continues to target individual student needs to enhance learning.

“While I am disappointed in our progress on state assessments, we continue to use other data points such as the i-Ready assessment to look at individualized student growth from the start of the school year through June. Teachers use this data to identify specific areas of focus to target interventions, supports, professional learning and other resources students need to learn and master content. Statewide MCAP trends show slow growth among students. CCPS is experiencing some of that slow growth as well as some declines. We will continue to focus our efforts on supporting all students in their learning,” Navarro said.

At the Sept. 10 Board of Education meeting, CCPS staff will provide an in-depth overview of MCAP assessments, 2023-2024 school year data and share the school system’s plans to continue targeting student learning and achievement.

State, school system and school-level MCAP data will be published on the Maryland Report Card website next month. To learn more about MCAP assessments, visit the MSDE website.

About CCPS

Charles County Public Schools provides 27,765 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 38 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 Dr. Mike Blanchard, 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).