High School Assessments (HSAs) Explained
The High School Assessments, or HSAs, are four exams—one each in algebra/data analysis, biology, government, and English—that all students (starting with students who entered grade 9 in 2005) must take and pass in order to graduate. For more information about passing the HSA exams, go to How do I pass/What happens if I don't?
Students take each HSA exam as they complete the related course. Passing the HSAs is only one of Maryland’s high school graduation requirements. Students must also earn state-specified credits, fulfill the state's service-learning and attendance requirements, and complete any additional requirements of the local school system. Click here for a summary of state-specified credit requirements beginning with the graduating class of 2009. For a summary of local school system graduation requirements, contact the local education agency. A list of local school system Web sites can be found here.
Maryland's Core Learning Goals
The HSA exams are based on the Maryland High School Core Learning Goals, which were incorporated into Maryland's public school curricula in the 1990s. The following links provide a PDF of the Core Learning Goals for each subject.
Helpful Documents
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. The Maryland State Board of Education is considering delaying the HSA graduation requirement only for special education, ELL, and 504 students; however, a final decision has not been made. For more information regarding the HSAs and students with special needs, click here .
A comprehensive list of HSA publications for parents, students, educators, and administrators (including some translated into foreign languages) can be found in the Where can I get more information? section of this Web site.