On The Way to Success on the MSA James Ryder Randall

Maryland School Assessments Federally Required Exams for Grades 3-8 The MSA scores show how well students mastered required grade level reading, mathematics, and science skills. In addition, the MSA measures our whether or not we maintain an attendance rate of 95% or better. Those students receiving modifications/ accommodations according to their IEP, ELL, or 504 will receive those services during the test by school staff.

Maryland School Assessment MOD-MSA will be given to the IEP candidates that meet the requirements. ESOL students attending school for their first year in the United States might not have to take the reading test but will be required to take the math test. Performance levels are basic, proficient and advanced. Results arrive to schools during the spring of 2010 and are mailed to parents during the fall.

Types of MSA Question SR – Selected Response BCR –Brief Constructed Response ECR –Extended Constructed Response

SR (Selected Response)  Multiple-choice questions Select the best response Four answer choices  Approximately 1 minute to complete each questions.

What will a sample question may look like? SR: Short Response –Which of these is the value of the underlined digit? A B. 400 C D –Look at the word with the underlined letters. The underlined letters stand for a sound. Decide which of the other three words has the same sound in it. Then mark the space for the answer you have chosen. castle A.quart B.manner C.palm

BCR (Brief Constructed Response) 5-7 minutes to complete Clear and concise language, simple vocabulary and sentence structure For reading BCRs, comprehension of the text is required. For math BCRs can use words, numbers and/or symbols to explain their answer.

Maryland School Assessment Sample BCR - Elementary Lisa has 11 dimes. She buys a bottle of juice for $ How much money will she get back? (1 point) –Explain how you know your answer is correct. Use words and numbers in your explanation. ( 2pts) Read the story 'Saved by a Fly' and answer the following question. What lesson could someone learn from this story? Use details from the story to support your answer. (3 pts)

ECR (Extended Constructed Response) MATH portion only Complete answer only in given box –Eight (8) lines for ECR’s Grades 5-8. Shorter written responses which may require students to: Show work/explain processes Explain reasoning Complete graph Perform geometric construction Develop geometric proof Students may also use numbers, words or symbols to explain his/her answer

Allowable Tools on the MSA (Provided By The School) Grades 3-8 Calculators Grades 3-8 Rulers Grades 5-8 Protractors Grades 3-8 Scrap paper No. 2 pencils

Maryland School Assessments Did you know? The Testing Window for the Maryland School Assessment is March 8 – 23 for Reading and Math and April 21 – May 11 for Science (5 th Grade Only). Students will use two days to complete the math sections, two days to complete the reading sections, and two days to complete the science sections. Assessments will last at least two and a half hours each day.

What type of learner are you? If you are an Auditory learner, try to study orally. Say the information out loud to yourself. If you are a visual learner, make a diagram or outline. If you are kinesthetic, make the learning more active by copying and recopying your notes.

Where do you study? Find a location and or room that has plenty of sunlight Very little background noise and other activities Plan frequent breaks Don’t study too long Stay on task

Tips for objective Tests Carefully read all the instructions on the test booklet Some questions ask for the best answer Read each question carefully to make sure that you understand the type of answer required Read all the choices before you decide on an answer

Tips continued Look for qualifiers in the sentences. What are qualifiers? Qualifiers are words such as: all, most, some, no, never, least, always, equal, maximum, greatest, not, less, mainly, highly, lowest, most, nearly, best, smallest, etc.

Test support Circle or underling key words in questions Use logic to answer difficult questions Answer every question Review your work Be slow to change an answer Write legibly If you make a mistake, erase completely

Final Testing Tips Get a good night’s rest before the test and have a healthy breakfast Dress comfortably Try to sit away from potential distraction Pay attention to the teacher and follow directions Do your personal best!!!!!! Think positively

Additional tips for student success Read Carefully Write down any tips/information you remember down onto your scrap paper Listen at all directions Read and re-read directions Choose the best answer Revisit the text Do the easy questions first and leave the harder ones last Don’t take too much time on any one question Stay focused Proofread your answers Stay in the box when answering your BCR’s Write Neatly Make sure answer can be read Use numbers, words, and or symbols on the Math BCR Respond to the question Underline key information in the book. Maximize the use of scratch paper and calculators.

How parents can help Make sure students arrive on time and attend school daily. Make sure students are well rested. Provide a healthy breakfast. Mark down test days on your calendar. Review homework assignments with child. Attend parent conferences and solicit academic strategies from teacher/resource people. Incorporate daily reading time with child at home will increase: vocabulary, comprehension, and reading speed. Incorporate daily math/science time with child at home will increase: computation, problem solving, and critical thinking skills.

Sample Test Items are on the MSDE Website