I guess that is okay since they were the beta class for changes in MCPS

They will start to count eventually (next year or two) but these kids get a free pass

Found out the answer, so DD was telling the truth, just had to take the test this year if they passed the course.


Summary of assessment graduation requirements:
Algebra I

Passed Algebra I course during or prior to the 2015–16 school year

Assessment Requirement: Receive a Score for Algebra PARCC or Algebra I HSA*
Enrolled in Algebra I course after the 2015–2016 school year

Assessment Requirement: Pass Algebra I PARCC
English 10

Passed English 10 course during or prior to the 2015–16 school year

Assessment Requirement: Receive a Score for English 10 PARCC or English 10 HSA*
Enrolled in English 10 course after the 2015–2016 school year

Assessment Requirement: Pass English 10 PARCC

My 10th grader said they were told there was "no passing score" for the PARCC English exam, so a ton of kids just marked whatever they wanted. I was pretty sure they had to "pass" to graduate. Does anyone have insight?

I would not worry about HSAs. As PP said, that's a low bar. The real bear is AP exams, and I imagine IB, too, though we have no experience there. My DD is burning the books hard for her AP NSL exam in two weeks.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mother of HS student.
4 tests required for graduation. PARCC tests this year for English 10 and Algebra 1; HSA for Biology and Government
PSAT for 9, 10th, 11th.
AP and IB exams are in May also

Why do kids take the PSAT so many times? Is it optional to do this? I feel like we just took it in 11th when I was in HS.

I don't know if it's the same at every school, but at Blair the school pays for them to take it in 9th and 10th grade too. Since it happens during the school day and parents don't pay for it, many probably aren't even aware it's happening. Doesn't really count for anything (except opening a Pandora's Box of college marketing emails), it's just practice. Doesn't hurt, I suppose.

But, yeah, I was the same as you: took the PSAT once, the SAT once, and that was it.

I think it's because MCPS is crazy.

Anonymous wrote:Mother of HS student.
4 tests required for graduation. PARCC tests this year for English 10 and Algebra 1; HSA for Biology and Government
PSAT for 9, 10th, 11th.
AP and IB exams are in May also

Why do kids take the PSAT so many times? Is it optional to do this? I feel like we just took it in 11th when I was in HS.

should be "don't even study"

HSAs are a low bar/basic exam since you need them to graduate. If he has done well in the class there should not be an issue. My kids even study beyond classroom review. There are many opportunities for retake if needed. I think they are a few hours.

test-anxious