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Howard County Public School System

GreatSchools Rating: 8 out of 10. GreatSchools Ratings are based on test results. 10 is best.
This district's rating is based on its schools' test results; 10 is best. Learn more >

Learn About This District's:

10910 Route 108
Ellicott City, MD 21042
Howard County
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PH: (410) 313-6682

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  • Grades PK-12 & ungraded
  • 49,542 students
  • 73 schools

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 MSA Results

Scale: % at or above proficient

Grade 3

Reading
 91% (2009)
 90% (2008)
 89% (2007)
 88% (2006)
The state average for Reading was 85% in 2009.

Math
 90% (2009)
 89% (2008)
 86% (2007)
 88% (2006)
The state average for Math was 84% in 2009.

Source: MSDE, 2008-2009

Grade 4

Reading
 93% (2009)
 94% (2008)
 93% (2007)
 92% (2006)
The state average for Reading was 87% in 2009.

Math
 92% (2009)
 92% (2008)
 91% (2007)
 90% (2006)
The state average for Math was 89% in 2009.

Source: MSDE, 2008-2009

Grade 5

Reading
 94% (2009)
 94% (2008)
 89% (2007)
 89% (2006)
The state average for Reading was 90% in 2009.

Science
 76% (2009)
The state average for Science was 64% in 2009.

Math
 87% (2009)
 88% (2008)
 88% (2007)
 87% (2006)
The state average for Math was 81% in 2009.

Source: MSDE, 2008-2009

Grade 6

Reading
 92% (2009)
 90% (2008)
 87% (2007)
 88% (2006)
The state average for Reading was 85% in 2009.

Math
 89% (2009)
 88% (2008)
 85% (2007)
 84% (2006)
The state average for Math was 77% in 2009.

Source: MSDE, 2008-2009

Grade 7

Reading
 93% (2009)
 90% (2008)
 85% (2007)
 87% (2006)
The state average for Reading was 83% in 2009.

Math
 88% (2009)
 84% (2008)
 79% (2007)
 81% (2006)
The state average for Math was 73% in 2009.

Source: MSDE, 2008-2009

Grade 8

Reading
 91% (2009)
 87% (2008)
 83% (2007)
 85% (2006)
The state average for Reading was 81% in 2009.

Science
 86% (2009)
The state average for Science was 65% in 2009.

Math
 85% (2009)
 80% (2008)
 77% (2007)
 76% (2006)
The state average for Math was 67% in 2009.

Source: MSDE, 2008-2009

About the Tests

  • In 2008-2009 Maryland used the Maryland State Assessment (MSA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math.
  • The MSA is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Maryland.
  • The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

Testing in Maryland: An Overview

See Maryland's state standards

Compare all elementary and middle schools in this district
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 HSA Results

Scale: % passing

Algebra
 98% (2009)
The state average for Algebra was 88% in 2009.

English 2
 94% (2009)
The state average for English 2 was 85% in 2009.

Biology
 94% (2009)
The state average for Biology was 84% in 2009.

Source: MSDE, 2008-2009

About the tests

  • In 2008-2009 Maryland used the Maryland High School Assessments (HSA) to test students in English 2, algebra, biology and government upon completion of each course.
  • The HSA is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Maryland.
  • Beginning with the class of 2009, students are required to pass the tests in order to graduate.
  • The goal is for all students to pass the tests.

Testing in Maryland: An Overview

See Maryland's state standards

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 Teachers

 
Teacher Credentials
Information about this data
Source: MSDE, 2006-2007
 This DistrictState Average
Advanced professional certificate47%47%
Standard professional certificate38%33%
Resident teacher certificate4%8%
Conditional certificate<1%1%
Teacher Experience and Credentials: Issues to Consider >
Student-Teacher Ratio
Information about this data
Source: NCES, 2007-2008
 This DistrictState Average
Students per FTE teacher1314
How Important is Class Size? >
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 Students

 
Student Ethnicity
Information about this data
Source: NCES, 2007-2008
EthnicityThis DistrictState Average
White, not Hispanic59%47%
Black, not Hispanic21%38%
Asian/Pacific Islander15%6%
Hispanic5%9%
American Indian/Alaskan Native<1%<1%
How Important is Cultural Diversity at Your School? >
Student Subgroups
Information about this data
Source: MSDE, 2007-2008
 This DistrictState Average
Students with disabilities9%13%
English learners4%5%
The Achievement Gap: Is Your School Helping All Students? >
Attendance
Information about this data
Source: MSDE, 2007-2008
 This DistrictState Average
Attendance rate96%94%
School Attendance: Issues to Consider >
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 Spending Per Pupil

 
Spending Per Pupil
Information about this data
 This DistrictState Average
Total per pupil expenditures$12,507$11,724
Breakdown By Expenditure  
Instructional63%60%
Student and staff support10%10%
Administration9%11%
Other expenditures18%19%
Source: NCES, 2006-2007
School Finance: Issues to Consider >
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Tips and Advice by Grade Level
Tips and Advice for Your Kindergartener Tips and Advice for Your First-Grader Tips and Advice for Your Second-Grader
Tips and Advice for Your Third-Grader Tips and Advice for Your Fourth-Grader Tips and Advice for Your Fifth-Grader
 
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