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?
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SR: Short Response
– Which of these is the value of the underlined digit?
374055
A. 4 • 102
B. 400
C. 6000 - 200
D. 4 • 103
– 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 $ 1.08. 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)
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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 (5th 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
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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
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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
www.mdk12.org
http://www1.pgcps.org/jamesryderrandall/
http://www.marylandpublicschools.org