Press Release: Maryland Introduces Additional PARCC Resources, Website

New State Assessments Begin This School Year; State Expands Resources For Implementation

For Immediate Release                                                        Contact: William Reinhard, 410.767.0486

Baltimore, MD (November 25, 2014)

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) today announced additional supports for educators and parents as implementation of the new Partnership for the Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC)  assessments begins next month and Maryland continues its fourth year of transition to higher learning standards and better assessments.

“We will provide continuous support and resources through the implementation of new state assessments as we answer the question ‘What is happening this year?’” said Maryland State Superintendent Lillian M. Lowery. “Today’s release of new and updated information on the PARCC assessments is the beginning of a year-long effort to provide resources and engage directly with the people most affected by the new assessments – students, educators and parents.”

The PARCC state assessments in English language arts and mathematics are replacing the Maryland School Assessments in the 2014-15 school year.  The PARCC tests in English 10, Algebra I and Algebra II are being given for the first time.  The English 10 and Algebra I tests replace the High School Assessments in those two subjects.

MSDE is building upon three years of information, training and support for local school systems by providing new information that is specific to PARCC implementation over the next year.  Among the resources posted is a timeline outlining PARCC rollout, along with revised versions of MSDE’s “Top 10 Things Parents Need to Know about Testing in Maryland,” and “Top 5 Things Parents Need to Know about High School Testing.”  Curriculum resources and links also are available.

MSDE also will provide timely webinars and use social media to provide regular PARCC updates and answer questions that educators, students, and parents may have throughout the year.  The MSDE home page and PARCC web page will continue to be updated in the coming months and years.  Parents and educators should check back often for the latest information about the new assessment program.

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