1. Understanding the New Maryland School Report Card
A Presentation for PGCPS Stakeholders

2. About the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
In 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was signed to reauthorize the 50-year Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). ESSA represents the nation’s commitment to ensuring public schools provide equal opportunities and all students are prepared for success in college and careers.
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3. The New Maryland Accountability System
In response to ESSA, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) designed a new public school accountability system. The U.S. Department of Education approved it in early The system looks at school performance data in multiple component areas, which vary between elementary, middle and high schools. Using this data, the state creates a School Report Card for every public school that shows points earned for each component area and a “total earned points percent” score. This final score is used to rank the school using a five-star system.
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4. State Accountability Systems
Accountability systems help to ensure that all students get the education they need and deserve, and all schools provide that education. They highlight the diversity of our schools and provide even our best students with better learning opportunities. Strong accountability allows us to learn from and celebrate exceptional schools.
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5. Elementary and Middle School Maryland Report Card Components
Academic Achievement – percent of students proficient on standardized tests in math and English Language Arts
Academic Progress – how much student performance has grown from previous year and percent of students who earned credit in core coursework by grades 5 or 8 (NOTE: won’t be used in the first year of the new accountability system)
Progress in Achieving English Language Proficiency – percent of English language learners on track to proficiency
School Quality & Student Success – percent of students who attended school regularly and took part in a well-rounded curriculum (will eventually include school climate survey data)
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8. High School Maryland Report Card Components
Academic Achievement – percent proficiency on standardized tests in math and English Language Arts
Graduation Rate – percent of students who earned a Maryland High School Diploma
Progress in Achieving English Language Proficiency – percent of English language learners on track to proficiency (NOTE: won’t be used for first year of new accountability system)
Readiness for Postsecondary Success – percent of students who earned four credits in core coursework by grade 9 and percent of students who met standards beyond required coursework
School Quality & Student Success – percent of students who attended school regularly and took part in a well-rounded curriculum (will eventually include school climate survey data)
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10. How Maryland Assigns Star Rankings to Schools
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11. Takeaways from the School Report Card
The School Report Card shares information on how a school performs in specific areas, but it is only a snapshot of school quality.
Many factors that influence school quality are not shown on the School Report Card.
They should not be used as the definitive measure for teaching and learning.
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12. Takeaways from the School Report Card CONT’D
Overall, the ratings indicate PGCPS has a lot of work to do, but that we’re headed in the right direction:
Strengthening instruction
Supporting teachers
Partnering with parents and community members
Enhancing math literacy
Expanding prekindergarten and post-HS options
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13. For More Information
Visit the Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) website: Visit the Maryland Report Card website:
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