In Maryland, students with disabilities participate in either the Maryland School Assessment (MSA) in reading, mathematics and science (with or without accommodations, as appropriate) or in the Alternate Maryland School Assessment (ALT-MSA), as determined by the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team. The MSA is administered to students in grades 3-8 and 10 and tests students’ attainment of grade level objectives in reading and mathematics. In addition, the Alt-MSA measures a student’s attainment of science Mastery Objectives in grades 5, 8 and 10. Students with significant cognitive disabilities who cannot participate in the MSA and the MSA/Science, even with accommodations participate in ALT-MSA. ALT-MSA assesses student attainment of their instructional level reading, mathematics and science mastery objectives that are aligned with grade level Maryland Content Standards.

Learn more:
About the Alternate Maryland School Assessment (ALT-MSA)
ALT-MSA 2016 Handbook