LEONARDTOWN, Md. (Aug. 15, 2008)—St. Mary's County Public Schools has recently posted another year of consistently high scores across all grade levels on the Alternate Maryland School Assessment (Alt-MSA). The Alt-MSA is a portfolio-based assessment that assesses students with significant cognitive disabilities on their attainment of individually selected extended reading, math and science objectives in grades 3-8 and grade 10.
The Alt-MSA is administered by the State and is required under the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001.
In Maryland, students with disabilities participate in either the Maryland School Assessment (MSA) in reading, math and science (with or without accommodations, as appropriate) or in the Alternate Maryland School Assessment (Alt-MSA) in reading, mathematics, and science as determined by the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team.
SMCPS officials cited the folloing statistics as a demonstration of "outstanding achievement" by local students:
-- SMCPS students exceeded state averages in students achieving proficient/advanced in all grades assessed in both reading and math;
-- 93-100% of the students assessed in Grades 3-8 were proficient/advanced in Reading
-- 93-100% of the students assessed in Grades 3-8 were proficient/advanced in Math
-- All 10th Grade students enrolled and assessed in St. Mary's County Public Schools scored proficient/advanced in math and reading.
The following schools posted 100% proficient/advanced scores for their assessed students in both reading and math:
-- Benjamin Banneker Elementary
-- Green Holly Elementary
-- Park Hall Elementary
-- Piney Point Elementary
-- Ridge Elementary
-- Esperanza Middle School
-- Spring Ridge Middle School
-- Great Mills High School
"These results demonstrate our high expectation for all students," said Dr. Michael J. Martirano, superintendent of schools. "These results are also a testimony to the hard work of our students, the support of our parents, and the outstanding work of our entire staff."