Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP)
The Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) covers state and federally-mandated assessments in English Language Arts/Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Government, and Kindergarten Readiness. MCAP also includes Alternate Assessments for select students. Students are given the assessments in Grades 3-10 during the months of March-May.
Students participate in required tests in four subject areas:
3rd - 8th grade math and Algebra/Data Analysis (or Geometry or Algebra II)
3rd - 8th grade English/Language Arts and English 10
8th grade social studies and American Government (high school)
5th and 8th grade science and Life Science/Biology (high school)
Assessment requirements for graduation:
The following courses have assessment requirements for graduation: Algebra I, English 10/World Literature, American Government, and Biology. Students must participate in the course associated assessments in order to fulfill graduation requirements. Additionally, all students must participate in at least one math and one English/Language Arts assessment during high school, even students who took the Algebra I MCAP in middle school.
For more information about MCAPs, please visit the Maryland State Department of Education MCAP web page.
Starting in the 2023-2024 school year, the MCAP tests in Government and Biology began transitioning to End of Course assessments (EOC). Beginning with first-time freshmen in the 2023-2024 school year, these EOCs will count for 20% of a student's final transcripted grade for the respective courses. For more information on EOCs, please visit the Maryland State Department of Education End of Course Exams web page.