State testing is done either through the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment of Program (MCAP) or, for students with significant cognitive disabilities, through Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) Alternate Assessments.

Maryland requires the administration of 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 are taking 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 can be found 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). The use of common assessments across schools supports the application of consistent high standards and learning targets throughout the district.

• Local assessments

• State assessments

• Assessments required for graduation

• The Ready to Read assessment and screener

 

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.

 

• MCAP Spring 2024 — ELA & Math Score Interpretation Guide for Parents

• MCAP Spring 2024 — ELA & Math Spanish Score Interpretation Guide for Parents

• MCAP Spring 2024 — 5 & 8 Science Score Interpretation Guide for Parents

• MCAP Spring 2024 — 5 & 8 Science Spanish Score Interpretation Guide for Parents

• MCAP Spring 2024 — 8 Social Studies Score Interpretation Guide for Parents

• MCAP Spring 2024 —8 Social Studies Spanish Score Interpretation Guide for Parents

• MCAP LS MISA (HS Biology) Interpretation Guide for Parents

• MCAP Spring 2024 Gov (HS Government) Interpretation Guide for Parents

                                      

• Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA)

• MCAP English Language Arts and Literacy

• MCAP Mathematics

• MCAP Maryland Integrated Science Assessments (MISA)

• MCAP American Government (High School)

• MCAP End of Course (EOC) Exams (LS MISA and Government)

• Middle School United States History (Social Studies 8)

• DLM Dynamic Learning Maps – Mathematics, ELA and Science/Alternate Assessments

• English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA): ACCESS for ELLs

Maryland State Department of Education provides data using 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 new 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.

Click here for a copy of the Maryland State Department of Education's Guide to Understanding Your 2023 Maryland School Report Card.

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.