In December, several of the computer labs were booked for the English (4 days) and Math (4 days) for the current round of PARCC assessments. Last year’s scores, from spring and fall are just arriving. The last round of Semester 1 PARCC testing takes place on January 5.

In the 2014-2015 school year, Frederick County High School students took the Algebra I, Algebra II and English 10 the PARCC assessments. PARCC stands for Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers.

What do those scores mean?

According to their official statement, PARCC tests students on all achievement levels of what they are learning, connecting to the Common Core curriculum. The tests were created due to the fact that most students take tests that only test lower level skills. The tests are supposed to access higher level knowledge.

“Well, I remember the PARCC test being really hard, but I really don’t remember anything from it,” said freshman Shay Arneson.

The score sheets show a bar graph level 1 to 5. PARCC set the passing range for being “college and career ready” at levels 4 and 5.

FCPS is a top performing school district statewide in PARCC results.

Frederick County Public Schools made a document to help parents better understand the PARCC tests. This document explains what the PARCC scores tell parents, how the information is tested, and how parents can help their child. 

These test scores also show which students need to be helped. The school system recommends that parents meet with their child’s classroom teachers and or counselors and figure out the best approach to help the students’ performances get better.

“I have not seen the individual score reports, and they are based on student performance last year. It’s hard to provide individual recommendations based on these scores. I think they are more important at the district level for now,” said Mrs. Natalie Rebetsky, English department chairperson.

Superintendent Dr. Theresa Alban’s email to parents explained that the test cannot be compared to any other tests. “It’s not only a new test, but it’s also a different test. It is not possible to score “lower” or “higher” on PARCC relative to any other test your child has taken in the past. This is a fresh start. Maryland students are setting a new baseline growth.” 

This year’s testing expanded to English 11 classes.