An Examination of the 2003-2004 Montgomery County Public Schools High School Academic Attainment Model

The Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) introduced the High School Academic Attainment (HSAA) model in 2001 to augment the existing state accountability system. The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) accountability system was implemented in the 1990s and focused primarily on elementary and middle schools. The HSAA model was designed to hold high schools accountable for the rigor of course taking and student performance. A cohort analysis was conducted to examine the graduating classes of 2000 through 2004. Transcript analyses were conducted on all students who graduated from MCPS high schools during those years. Each student was evaluated in terms of the four HSAA categories describing their high school course taking and performance. Appended are: (1) Indicators for MCPS and Student Subgroups; and (2) MCPS High Schools Performance on the HSAA Indicators. [Report produced by the Department of Shared Accountability.]