MSDE has a number of test-support resources to help students prepare for the HSAs. Click on this link.
HSA News How Do I Pass?
Currently all students who began 9th grade in or after 2005 are required to pass the High School Assessments in order to graduate, including students in special education, English language learners (ELLs), and students with 504 plans. Students who began 9th grade earlier than 9th grade are required to take the HSA tests. There are two ways to pass the HSA's:
- Students earn a passing score on all four HSA exams;
Passing Scores English 396 Algebra/Data Analysis 412 Biology 400 Government 394 - Students may use the combined-score option which requires that they earn at least a minimum score on all four HSAs and that their combined score be at least 1602.
Minimum Scores English 386 Algebra/Data Analysis 402 Biology 391 Government 387
The combined-score option allows students to offset lower performance on one exam with higher performance on another. If you believe your child qualifies for the combined-score option and has not already been identified, please contact Dr. Bowes, Patapsco’s Testing Coordinator at cbowes@bcps.org or 410-887-7060, ext. 224 or your child’s guidance counselor.
When does my child take the HSA tests?
Students take the HSA assessments at the end of their American Government, Algebra/Data Analysis, Biology, and English 10 (10th grade English) courses. Students who do not pass the test the first time they take it are offered remediation sessions or courses and may take the test the next time the test is offered. During the 2007- 2008 school year, HSA is scheduled to occur January 7 – January 11 and May 19 – May 22.
How long does it take to receive results from an HSA Test?
HSA scoring takes about nine weeks. Once scored, the state sends students’ scores to their school system, which, in turn, sends them to schools and to parents. State, school system, and school scores are posted on the Web at www.MdReportCard.org.
How can I assist my child in passing?
Make sure your child has good attendance at school and eats breakfast each morning. Students who are absent from HSA classes risk missing important instruction that may make the difference between doing well and not doing well on these tests. Encourage your child to be an active participant in class and to complete all assignments in a timely manner. Ask your child and their teacher for updates on how they are doing on their benchmark assessments. (Benchmark assessments are assignments that demonstrate that your child is making progress and give you and their teacher information on areas that your child needs to demonstrate additional effort.)
What happens if my child doesn’t pass?
Our goal is to prepare each student to pass the HSA tests the first time they take them. If your child does not receive a passing score the first time they take the test, reassure them and yourself that your student will have additional opportunities to demonstrate success on the HSA. Know that the staff at Patapsco High school will work to assure your student is prepared for success if they need to retake an assessment. Students who fail an HSA exam should talk to their teacher or teacher’s Department chair or to find out how to get extra help before retaking the exam. These opportunities have included before, during, and after school tutoring, as well as Saturday and summer remediation sessions.
At Patapsco High School, our Department Chairs are great sources of information concerning tutoring and remediation if your child is not successful the first time they take the HSAs. Please contact any of the following Department Chairpersons for information on remediation assistance.
Algebra/Data Analysis HSA: Ms. Maureen Astarita, Math Department Chairperson, Maureen Astarita or 410-887-7060.
English 10 HSA: Ms. Stacey Kalwa, English Department Chairperson, Stacey Kalwa or 410-887-7060, ext. 261.
Biology HSA: Ms. Antoinette Roberson, Science Department Chairperson Mark Baikauskas or 410-887- 7060, ext. 260.
Government HSA: Ms. Sandie Skordalos, Social Studies Department Chairperson, Sandie Skordalos or 410-887-7060, ext. 249.
Once a student has received help, he or she can retake the exam the next time it is offered. Students can retake the HSAs as many times as necessary to pass.
What if my child has been identified with special needs through an IEP or 504 Plan?
All students with disabilities—regardless of the test they take—are entitled to accommodations during instruction and testing. The accommodations your child needs are indicated in his or her Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan. If you have a child with disabilities and have questions about his or her program of study or participation on state tests, contact your child’s teacher, IEP or 504 case manager, guidance counselor, or IEP team Chairperson, Ms. Wanda Keller, Wanda Keller or 410-887-7263.
How can my child receive extra help on HSA content and skills?
The Maryland State Department of Education has created free, online courses that you can use to help your child on the HSAs. Online courses for Algebra/Data Analysis, Biology and Government are now available. English will be added in the fall of 2007. The online courses are aligned with Maryland's Core Learning Goals and Voluntary State Curriculum. For instructions on how to use the online courses, please refer to the following documents: Instructions for Parents and Students and Instructions for Teachers and other helpful documents which can be found on the MSDE website at http://www.msde.state.md.us/hsaexam/pass.html.
Helpful topics on this website include: information about students receiving special services and the HSA, the HSA testing calendar, an Online HSA site for Parents, and sample tests with answer keys that will give you a glimpse of the format of the HSA tests and how they are scored. Parents can also get answers to commonly asked questions by calling 877-HSA-EXAM, a toll-free, voice-directed telephone line. Parents will receive a return call in 24 hours if they leave a message with a question.
