Board reviews high‑school assessment policy changes after state rule shifts; debate over 'participation' standard
Summary
Board hears first reader of Policy 9.35 to align local language to MSDE/COMAR: math language broadened, biology/government EOCs remain 20% of course grade while ELA/math MCAP assessments are now participation-focused; members raised concerns about reduced weight and the 50% floor and asked presenters to return with clarifying language.
The Talbot County Board of Education received a first‑reader update to Policy 9.35, which district staff said is intended to align local graduation and assessment language with recent Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and COMAR updates.
Policy presenter (Mrs. Warner) outlined key changes: replacing references to a single course name such as "algebra" with the broader term "mathematics" to reflect multiple high‑school math trajectories; changing "biology" to "life science" language to be inclusive of equivalent courses; and aligning the policy with MSDE’s current approach to statewide assessments. She explained that biology and government end‑of‑course (EOC) assessments are still counted as 20% of a student’s grade, while MCAP assessments for ELA and math are now treated as participation measures for the purposes of graduation requirements.
Warner stressed that local final exams and district‑administered finals remain an important element of course grades (typically 20%), and that the district cannot practically factor MCAP scores into local grades because statewide scores are not returned in time (district staff receive MCAP results roughly in July). She emphasized continued use of assessment data for instructional planning and interventions even where the state treats the measure as participation for graduation.
Board members pressed for clarity. One member said the policy could be read as implying that "participation alone" satisfies graduation requirements; Warner and others clarified that successful course completion remains required and that the state’s change affects only how MCAP is factored. Several board members expressed concern that treating state tests as participation risked sending the message that the tests "don’t count," while others said returning more authority to local finals is a form of local control.
Warner said the AR (administrative regulation) changes will include procedures for how MCAP and local finals are recorded, retake and intervention pathways if a student fails a course or assessment, and that she will return next month for a second reader with revised language and clarifications.
No vote was taken; the item will return as a second reader next month.
