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Press Release: High School Test Results Set New Baseline For Maryland Students

Initial PARCC Scores Released in Algebra I, Algebra II and English 10

For Immediate Release                                               Contact: Bill Reinhard, 410-767-0486

Baltimore, MD (October 27, 2015)

The data released today for Maryland’s new high school assessments set a new baseline that will help to determine if students are on track to graduate ready for college or careers. The data were presented to the Maryland State Board of Education.

Nearly 40 percent of high school students taking the PARCC English 10 assessment last spring scored at a Level 4 and 5 combined – the two highest levels on the PARCC five-point score scale. More than 30 percent of high school students attained Level 4 and 5 combined in algebra I.  For high school, achieving Level 4 or 5 indicates readiness for college and is intended to help students avoid the need to take additional coursework before taking credit-bearing courses beyond high school. The scores required to meet these thresholds were determined over the summer by Maryland educators and their peers around the country.

Data files containing local schools’ high school results will be made available by the Maryland State Department of Education on November 5.

“The initial PARCC results represent a new starting line for Maryland students, teachers, and families as we strive to better prepare our students to get on track for success after graduation,” said Interim State Superintendent of Schools Jack R. Smith.  “But it is important to recognize that this data is only a snapshot; it’s one additional measure to use when viewing the progress of our students, along with many other factors.  This is a challenging assessment, and the data reflects that.” 

Also released today was the statewide data for Maryland’s first-ever algebra II test.  More than 20 percent of students scored at a Level 4 and 5, combined, on that test.

Significant score differences exist between student subgroups:

Algebra I: Overall, 31.2 percent of students scored at a level 4 and 5 combined; African American students, 12.8 percent scored at a level 4 and 5; Asian students, 62.4 percent scored at a 4 and 5; Hispanic students, 16.8 percent scored at a 4 and 5; White students, 45.2 percent scored at a 4 andr 5; and students of Two or More Races, 38.7 percent scored at a 4 and 5.  Among students receiving special services, 5.9 percent of special education students scored at a level 4 and 5 combined; 6.5 percent of limited English proficient students scored at a 4 and 5; and 13.2 percent of students receiving free or reduced price meals (the federal proxy for poverty) scored at a 4 and 5.

English 10: Overall, 39.7 percent of students scored at a level 4 and 5 combined; African American students, 25.2 percent scored at a 4 and 5; Asian students, 62.4 percent scored at a 4 and 5; Hispanic students, 27.5 percent scored at a 4 and 5; White students, 49.8 scored at 4 and 5; Two or More Races, 44.9 scored at a 4 and 5.  Among students receiving special services, 7.1 percent of special education students scored a 4 and 5 combined; 2.3 percent of limited English proficient students scored a 4 and 5; and 22.7 of students receiving free or reduced price meals scored a 4 and 5.

Algebra II: Overall, 20.2 percent of students scored at a level 4 and 5 combined; African American students, 5.7 percent scored at a 4 and 5; Asian students, 45.9 percent scored at a 4 and 5; Hispanic students, 11.4 percent scored at a 4 and 5; White students, 26.6 percent scored at a 4 and 5; Two or More Races, 25.2 percent scored at a 4 and 5.  Among students receiving special services; 5.7 percent of special education students scored at a 4 and 5; 10.3 percent of limited English proficient students scored at a 4 and 5; and 6.7 percent of students receiving free or reduced price meals scored at a 4
and 5.

Results from the PARCC assessments will not be used for student or educator accountability this year.  In the coming months, the State Board will determine how the data will be used going forward.

PARCC Hits the Reset Button

PARCC results cannot be compared with the Maryland School Assessment (MSA), which the State used for a decade, both because this is a new test and a different test. PARCC is the first assessment aligned to Maryland’s College and Career Ready Standards, which set a higher bar for student learning. The tests go beyond the old “fill in the blank” model of standardized tests by emphasizing the need for students to demonstrate critical thinking, problem solving, and clear writing.

These tests also will show growth in student achievement over time.  For example, parents and teachers will better be able to determine if students taking the math and reading assessments in third grade are progressing in their understanding of the subject matter when they reach fourth grade and beyond.

The assessment uses a five-point score scale set by Maryland educators and others:

  • Level 5 - Exceeded Expectations
  • Level 4 - Met Expectations
  • Level 3 - Approached Expectations
  • Level 2 - Partially Met Expectations
  • Level 1 - Did Not Yet Meet Expectations

The MSA results were based on the previous academic standards, which have not been in use since 2013-14, or earlier.  The MSA had just three performance levels and were set at a less rigorous target.  The result: most students were considered proficient in the subject matter when Maryland adopted the plan for higher standards and more advanced assessment in 2010.  This pattern of raising standards and creating new assessments has been in place in Maryland since the 1980s.

“Maryland has a history of strengthening standards on a regular basis,” Dr. Smith said.  “As the rigor has been raised with each target, our students and teachers have worked to make the grade.  The results have served students -- and our State -- very well, as students perform better over time.”

Maryland's K-12 Testing Program 1900-2007 Chart

Future PARCC test results will be available sooner as more students are assessed online.  More than 82 percent of students took online assessments during the first administration.  Paper-pencil assessments are available as needed in the first three years.


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