Overview
Maryland is transitioning from the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) to the Maryland System of Testing Academic Readiness (MSTAR) beginning in the 2026-27 school year. This transition reflects Maryland’s continued commitment to providing high-quality assessments that measure student readiness for college, career, and life success while supporting instructional decision-making. Key features of MSTAR include shortened test length, improved precision, updated accessibility features, and enhanced online reporting of test results for families and educators.
The federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires that states administer the following annual statewide assessments:
- English Language Arts/Literacy – Grades 3-8 and 10
- Math – Grades 3-8, Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry
- Science – Grades 5, 8 and HS students enrolled in Biology course
Maryland law requires the following annual statewide assessments:
- Social Studies/Government – Grade 8 and HS students enrolled in US Government
