Essential resources for understanding the world of special education in Howard County and beyond.
PARCC Assessments
The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) is a consortium of states working together to develop a common set of K-12 assessments in English and math anchored in what it takes to be ready for college and careers. These new K-12 assessments will build a pathway to college and careers. These…
Maryland High School Assessments (HSAs)
The Maryland High School Assessments (HSAs) are four tests—one each in algebra/data analysis, biology, government, and English—that students must pass to graduate. All students who entered 9th grade in or after 2005 are required to take and pass the HSAs to receive a Maryland High School Diploma, including students in special education, English language learners…
Maryland Alternate School Assessment (Alt-MSA)
In Maryland, students with disabilities participate in either the Maryland School Assessment (MSA) in reading, mathematics and science (with or without accommodations, as appropriate) or in the Alternate Maryland School Assessment (ALT-MSA), as determined by the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team. The MSA is administered to students in grades 3-8 and 10 and tests…
Parental Rights: A Companion Guide to the Maryland Procedural Safeguards Notice–Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program
A companion brochure specific to the Infants and Toddlers Program is also available from the Maryland State Department of Education. This brochure is part of Maryland’s Birth Through Five Parent Information Series–a collection of publications designed to support families in the early intervention and education of birth through five system of service. All guides are…
