Maryland's Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP)
The Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) provides information to educators, parents and the public on student progress towards proficiency on the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards. Through a strong assessment system, stakeholders gain an understanding of how schools are performing and where assistance can be directed to support student growth and achievement.
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.
Student Results
Students who participate in the MCAP assessments for grades 3–8, English 10, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and MISA receive paper home reports during September of the following school year. The reports will be distributed to your child at school to hand carry home.
MCAP Practice Tests
Practice tests for grades 3-8 and high school Mathematics (and English Language Arts, MISA, and Social Studies) have been created and are available here.
Digital Access to Test Results
Parents and guardians don’t have to wait for the paper home reports. Digital access to MCAP and other standardized test scores is available online. To view a running record of your child’s raw standardized assessment scores:
- Go to http://www.hcpss.org/connect/
- Login and click on “Standardized Test Scores” on the left menu
School/District Results
Overall ELA and math results can be viewed at http://reportcard.msde.maryland.gov/
Note: Results are not posted until the start of the next school year.
Administration of MCAP
MCAP assessments are designed for online administration and are given in 40-70 minute units. Students take multiple units per content area with a total testing time of 2.75-4.75 hours for a subject.
Testing Window: Mid April-Early June
The test is designed to allow students to use the same computer-based tools that are used during instruction. Students with special needs will receive the same accommodations for the MCAP that they do for their regular instruction.
Student Participation Requirement
The MCAP assessments are part of the state instructional program and students are required to participate. MSDE provides the following formal guidance on opting out of instructional and assessment programs:
- State law requires that all children attend public school, a nonpublic school, or be educated at home. For students who attend public school, state regulations permit parents to have their children opt out of only a few specific aspects of the public school curriculum. See COMAR 13A.04.18.01F(5)(a) and I(2)(a) (“Family Life and Human Sexuality” and “HIV/AIDS Instruction.”).
- Students who refuse to participate in state mandated testing will negatively impact federal accountability ratings for their home school and district. In addition, Algebra 1 and English 10 students who refuse to participate in PARCC will not fulfill the MSDE graduation requirements and will be required to test during future administrations.