Preliminary Results Released for Class of 2009 on the Maryland High School Assessments

Preliminary results from the cumulative administration of the Maryland High School Assessments (HSA) indicate that students in the current Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Class of 2009 have passed the tests in exceptionally high numbers—with pass rates of 83.6 to 92.2 percent across the four exams in Algebra, Biology, English, and Government. (See Table I at the link below).

Passing the HSAs is a state requirement for graduation, beginning with the Class of 2009. The data provide a snapshot of the pass rates among students currently identified in the Class of 2009 who have taken the tests through Grade 10 last year.

“These preliminary results provide an important measure of the continued progress under way in MCPS through the work of principals, teachers, and counselors to prepare students for the assessments,” said Superintendent Jerry D. Weast.

The new data on the Class of 2009 released today coincide with an announcement by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) indicating high pass rates across the state, statewide progress in meeting the graduation requirements, and other initiatives. In MCPS, a more detailed analysis is under way by the MCPS Department of Shared Accountability regarding student data by race and ethnicity and other student groups.

Two years remain for all students in the entire Class of 2009 to complete the requirements, including students who have yet to take the necessary courses or who were unsuccessful in their initial attempts.

Over the next two years, the composition and progress of the class will change as students transfer in and out, graduate early, or need additional time to fulfill all the credit requirements to earn a diploma from MCPS.

A number of efforts are designed to provide additional academic support and intervention as students in this class approach graduation in the spring of 2009. Such efforts are being made in all high schools and include the systemwide implementation of High School Plus beginning this year, continuation of extended day programs, Saturday programs, and online preparation and practice programs.