Finishing the School Year Strong:

Important Information About the Rest of the School Year

Dear MCPS Families,

End-of-year assessments are important because they showcase what our students know, understand, and are able to do. Our students need to be ready to do their best. The Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (or “MCAP” test) is the main component measuring student academic performance reflected in Maryland’s accountability system. MCAP performance is a key component of the Maryland School Report Card, including star ratings for each school. Like it or not, this is how the outside world assesses and views our students’ performance, our schools’ performance, and our performance as a district. 

Needless to say, this is important and we take this very seriously. Ensuring students have access to complete instruction, meaningful practice, and supportive conditions helps achieve more positive results for students and for schools.

To this end, we are writing to share some critical information with you about changes to our testing schedule and how you can help prepare your student for their upcoming assessments.

The Key Update:

Some testing was originally scheduled for right after spring break, before all instruction had happened. To fix this, we are adjusting our state testing schedule at every school to push back testing as late as possible. Testing will now begin on April 28 and continue through May. 

Here is how Families Can Help at Home:

1. Attendance Matters

• One of the most important ways to support your student right now is simple: make sure they are in school every day and on time.

• Missing even a few days during this time can mean missing instruction and preparation. Consistent attendance helps students keep up with learning and feel ready for assessments.

2. First, the Fundamentals:

• Encourage strong routines, including sleep, nutrition, and homework time.

• Stay connected with your student’s school for updates and support.

• Reinforce a positive mindset; remind your student that effort and growth matter.

• Limit distractions during study and rest time, especially as testing approaches.
  

3. Other Key Strategies to Reinforce at Home:

• Ask your student to explain their thinking when answering a question.

• Reinforce strategies such as reading carefully, using evidence, and checking their work. 

• Encourage your student to practice a little each day, rather than all at once.

• Remind your student that mistakes are part of learning and help the brain grow.

• Support your student in taking their time, reading carefully, and checking their work.

4. Online resources to Support Learning at Home:

• Here are one-page information sheets that are grade by grade and subject by subject that remind our kids and you what is covered in class (and what they need to know) to finish the year and test successfully.

We recognize that as we adjust schedules, it may represent a change for families and schools, as some events might change. You will hear directly from your student’s school with specific details and updates on testing days and any other end-of-year events or celebrations that may be affected. 

This is a busy and exciting time of year. Spring Break is right around the corner, and we hope you and your family take that time to restore and rejuvenate as we lean into spring learning!  And if you are looking for academic reinforcements for you to review with your student over the break - we’ve got you covered - please visit the link above for more content specific resources to review with your student.

Have a great Spring Break and we will follow up with more information after the Break.

Montgomery County Public Schools