What do the HSAs look like?

Overview

What are the HSAs Who takes the HSAs? What do the HSAs look like? Passing the HSAs

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The HSAs are given in four subjects: biology, government, algebra/data analysis, and English. Each exam covers material from specific topic areas (see below) within the course curriculum.


HSA	Content Areas Adapted from VSC/CLG
English	• Reading and Literature: Comprehension and Interpretation • Reading and Literature: Making Connections and Evaluation • Writing: Composing • Writing: Language Usage and Conventions
Biology	• Skills and Processes of Biology • Structure and Function of Biological Molecules • Structure and Function of Cells and Organisms • Inheritance of Traits • Mechanism of Evolutionary Change • Interdependence of Organisms in the Biosphere
Government	• U.S. Government Structure, Function, and Principles • Systems of Government and U.S. Foreign Policy • Protecting Rights and Maintaining Order • Impact of Geography on Governmental Policy • Economic Principles, Institutions, and Processes
Algebra/Data Analysis	• Analyzing Patterns and Functions • Modeling Real-World Situations • Collecting, Organizing, and Analyzing Data • Using Data to Make Predictions

The exams contain multiple-choice questions. The following chart shows the amount of time scheduled for each exam.

High School Assessments Test Timing Schedule
Content Area	Session 1	Break	Session 2	Break	Session 3
English	50 min	5 min	50 min	5 min	50 min
Biology	45 min	5 min	45 min	5 min	45 min
Algebra/Data Analysis	50 min	5 min	50 min	5 min	50 min
Government	45 min	5 min	45 min	5 min	45 min

The exams are administered a number of times during the year, with make-up opportunities for students who did not take or pass the tests. A schedule of HSA testing dates is available here.

The state has developed resources to help students pass the HSAs. MSDE has developed online courses that teachers and parents can use with students to help them pass the exams. To review a sample test, click here; to take a practice test online, click here.