State testing is done either through the Maryland System of Testing Academic Readiness (MSTAR) or, for students with significant cognitive disabilities, through Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) Alternate Assessments.

 

Maryland requires administering state assessments in mathematics and English language arts and literacy annually in grades three through eight and once in high school (depending on the semester they take the tested course). Science content mastery is tested using the MCAP Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (MISA) in fifth grade, eighth grade, and once in high school (biology). Social studies content mastery is tested in eighth grade and once in high school (government). 

 

Information about these assessments is available on the Maryland State Department of Education's website.

 

English language learners (ELL) in kindergarten through 12th grade are tested for English language proficiency (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) through the WIDA ACCESS assessment. ELL students with significant cognitive disabilities take the ALT ACCESS test.

 

Kent County Public Schools (KCPS) uses a curriculum that is aligned with meaningful assessments that provide actionable data for instructional planning. KCPS also administers local common assessments (i.e., those used across a given grade within the district on a specific content area). Using common assessments across schools supports consistent high standards and learning targets throughout the district.

Below are links and resources to help parents and school staff understand the role of assessments in the education of Kent County Public Schools' students. Printed copies of the Individual Score Reports (ISRs) for the spring MCAP assessments for each student (Tested in spring, grades 3-12) will be sent home with interims/report cards in the fall of the following school year. Please contact your school counselor if copies are needed throughout the year. 

 

Maryland State Department of Education provides data using the Maryland School Report Card website. This tool provides information to educators, families, and the public about each school and paves the way for improvement. The Maryland Report Card website provides information on a wide variety of measures including enrollment, attendance, performance reporting on state assessments, performance on college readiness assessments, and postsecondary enrollment in colleges.

We encourage parents and others to explore the Maryland Report Card website. The School Report Cards can be found there, as well as more information and data about schools and districts. 

Visit MdReportCard.org to view a snapshot of how our district and schools performed.

Each spring Kent County Public Schools educators and all students in fifth through 11th grades have the opportunity to take the Maryland School Survey. The survey collects important information about relationships, engagement, the school environment and safety. School leaders use results to learn about and improve the school community.