Assessments in AACPS

 
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Elementary School (Grades K-5)
Middle School (Grades 6-8)
High School (Grades 9-12)

Parent and Educator Resources
Kindergarten Readiness Assessment in Maryland
Maryland Accommodations Manual
PARCC Assessment Manual
MSDE Report Card for AACPS


Grade 2 Assessments

In AACPS, our Grade 2 students take district-required assessments in reading and mathematics as well as two assessments that are two of several indicators used to identify students as gifted. For reading, all students participate in the Fountas and Pinnell (F&P) reading assessment system two -- three times per year as well as taking two district reading assessments.  F&P was developed to determine student’s independent and instructional reading levels. Teachers work with students individually and allow students to read to teachers in a one-on one environment. This dedicated, individual time allows teachers to observe individual student reading behaviors, engage in comprehension conversations that go beyond retelling, and make informed decisions that connect assessment to instruction. Students also take two reading assessments each year that monitor student progress in reading comprehension and writing. Teachers use the results from the F&P system as well as the two district assessments to support students in their efforts to become independent readers. In addition to reading, our Grade 2 students take one mathematics assessment per marking period. The district reading and mathematics assessments were written collaboratively by a team of Grade 2 teachers and content office staff.

Maryland law requires that we identify and provide services for gifted students. In AACPS, we use two nationally-normed assessments, the CogAT and Performance Series, as just two of the several indicators that we used to identify students as gifted.

Although teachers may use the results of these assessments to determine student progress in class, these assessments should not be thought of as "tests" that students must study or prepare for.

Depending upon the student's plan (IEP, 504, EL), the appropriate accommodations found in Section 5 of the Maryland Accommodations Manual are made available to each student when appropriate for assessments.

 

When?

What?

Purpose?

Notes

2-3 time per year – fall, winter, and spring (select students will take the winter administration)

Fountas and Pinnell (F&P)

Monitor student progress in reading skills.

During the F&P Administration, each child spends about 20 -- 30 minutes reading one-on-one with his/her teacher to monitor individual student progress in reading skills. This session takes place during the regular school day.

October 24 – 26

Mathematics Assessment 1

Monitor student progress in mathematics.

Each assessment is approximately 60 minutes in length and students take the assessment as part of the regular school day.

December 5-6

Reading Assessment 1

Monitor student progress in reading and writing.

January 13 – 18

Mathematics Assessment 2

Monitor student progress in mathematics.

March 23 – 27

Mathematics Assessment 3

Monitor student progress in mathematics.

April 3 – 4

Reading Assessment 2

Monitor student progress in reading and writing.

November 14 – 22

CogAT

Two of several indicators used to identify students as gifted.

Maryland law requires that we identify and provide services for gifted students; AACPS chose these assessments as 2 indicators to use to fulfill these MD requirements.

December 1 – 19

Performance Series

 


Assessments in AACPS | Anne Arundel County Public Schools | 410-222-5000