Maryland School Assessments and Standardized Tests

Getting Your Child Ready for Standardized Tests in Maryland

What Is the Maryland School Assessment?

The Maryland School Assessment (MSA) is a test administered to students in third through eighth grade. The test covers reading, math and eventually science for the higher grades. This test allows parents, teachers, administrators, other educators and the public to see how well students and schools in the state of Maryland are performing.

The MSA test fulfills the requirements set by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002. Your child's score will show how well she or he is doing in comparison to the state's standards as well as the rest of the nation. The test typically includes multiple-choice and short-essay questions.

What Are Some Ways to Help My Child Prepare?

The first step to ensure that your child is prepared for the Maryland School Assessment is tracking his or her progress throughout the school year. If your child is doing well throughout the year, she probably won't have to study as much for the standardized test. Check in with your child's teachers frequently to make sure that your child is on top of her work.

Make sure that your child has a calm, uncluttered, well-equipped place to complete his assignments and study. Do your best to maintain a regular routine at home. If your child is accustomed to studying and doing homework at the same time every day, it will be much easier for him to concentrate.

Practice exams can often be of great use when helping your child get ready for the Maryland School Assessment, regardless of her level. Check with your child's school to find out where to get practice exams or sample questions. Recreate a quiet testing environment at home and time your child as she takes the sample test. Use the results to help your child focus on the areas where she needs the most help.

What If My Child Needs Extra Help?

If your child needs extra help getting ready for the Maryland School Assessment, you have many options to choose from, including home practice and professional help. There are many websites with useful educational, standards-based games, worksheets and activities. You can administer these to your child through the course of his or her studies to sharpen skills and test progress.

There are many different types of tutors you can choose from depending on the individual needs of your child. There are local and national tutoring companies, private tutors and online tutors. Check with your child's teachers to figure out the best way to get help for your child.