January 23, 2023 Community Update: Spring 2022 MCAP Assessment Results
Dear Team BCPS Parents, Staff and Students:
On Tuesday, January 24, the Maryland State Department of Education will release final data from the spring 2022 administration of the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics.
The new assessments, which replaced the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) test, provides critical information on the progress students and schools are making on state academic content standards as well as student progress toward graduation and career readiness.
Preliminary results were released in December 2022 and the data show that students across the state are struggling to recover to pre-pandemic levels of performance, especially in mathematics. In his presentation to state board members about the results, State Superintendent Mohammed Choudhury shared that there would be “a long road to recovery” to even pre-pandemic levels. We have reviewed the preliminary assessment results for our school system and the data is troubling. Far too many of our students are not meeting proficiency levels, particularly in math.
We are deeply concerned by declining performance and are working relentlessly to improve and accelerate student learning. We are taking immediate and strategic steps to address learning gaps and ensure Baltimore County Public Schools’ (BCPS) students not only surpass state expectations but are also equipped with the resources and knowledge they need to reach their fullest potential.
This urgent work includes:
- Re-evaluating our pacing guides (when and how teachers deliver the learning material) with assessment topics to ensure all students have an opportunity to learn and master the standards prior to the assessment.
- Providing tailored support by school with pacing and professional learning for staff to create a short-term action plan based on student needs.
- Offering targeted tutoring support for students in need of additional practice.
- Identifying students who need structured summer support to improve achievement and strongly recommending attendance to families.
- Reviewing ELA and Math curriculum pacing guides and district assessments and revising items as needed to provide students with multiple opportunities for mastery and feedback.
- Convening an ELA and math stakeholder group for feedback on needed changes to program offerings/ areas of focus for the 2023-2024 school year.
While the pandemic has had a devastating impact on student learning, it is important to note that there have been significant gaps in BCPS student performance on state assessments for many years. Additionally, we must acknowledge the fact that the needs of our students are growing. We have a rapidly growing English Language Learner ELL) population and have seen a substantial increase in the number of students who are eligible for Free- and Reduced-price Meals (FARMS). We have also seen significant growth in the number of students receiving special education services. The proposed Fiscal Year 2024 Operating Budget considers this reality that our students need greater supports. It will take significant interventions to help our students catch up. Our core purpose is centered on increasing achievement for all students and providing a variety of pathways to prepare students for college and careers. We know that delivering on this commitment means prioritizing investments in the most critical components now to ensure success moving forward.
State assessments are just one of several important measures that help us monitor student progress and achievement and determine necessary supports for remediation and enrichment. As I visit schools across the county and speak with our teachers, administrators, staff and students, I am seeing high levels of student engagement. With continued emphasis on learning standards and ongoing assessments of learning, we anticipate significant rebounds in student performance in the coming years.
We know more must be done to address areas where we are seeing decreases in performance and ensure all students have the access, opportunity, and support they need to be successful.
With appreciation,
Darryl L. Williams, Ed.D.
Superintendent