About: Testing Options: Mod-HSA
While Maryland began developing the HSAs 10 years before the passage of the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, the HSAs do fulfill NCLB's high school testing requirements. In May 2004, the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) permitted states to develop modified tests for a small number of students with disabilities. These students are able to make progress toward grade-level standards but not in the same timeframe as other students.
In May 2007, USDE provided states specifications for these tests, and MSDE began building the Modified HSAs (Mod-HSAs). The Mod-HSAs are based on the same content as the HSAs, but the question format may be altered.
The Mod-HSAs are currently being piloted and should be available beginning with the May 2008 test administration. Students who pass the Mod-HSAs will be eligible to earn a Maryland High School Diploma.
To find out whether your child is eligible to take the Mod-HSAs, contact his or her IEP team.
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