March 2013

The Maryland School Assessment (MSA) is quickly approaching and we are ready to show everyone just how hardworking and smart our students truly are. The MSA is given to all 3rd through 8th graders in the state of Maryland. The test is given in reading, math and the science is given only in 5th grade. Each content area assessment is administered over two days for approximately two hours each day. The results are used along with other information to determine if our school is making progress. This school year's reading target is 84.5% and the math target is 86.42%. Last year, we met our target in Reading; however, we did not make it in Math. This year we look forward to being successful on the MSA.

In an effort to ensure our students are prepared for the test, we have been providing our students with opportunities for enrichment and intervention in addition to daily instruction. Our students have participated in Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO), small group support and whole group re-teaching. In addition to academically preparing our students, we have planned school-wide activities to encourage and motivate our students to do their very best because the Templeton Tigers are "Pawsitively WILD About The MSA". In addition to participating in the activities we have planned for the MSA, please continue to ensure that your students are taking time each day to study, review and practice the skills that are being taught to them each day. This will assist them in being successful on the MSA and beyond. As always, thank you for your support and we appreciate you encouraging our students to work harder to get smarter each and every day. The chart below lists all of our MSA related activities including our testing dates.