MAPs and PSSAs

At Central Mountain Middle School, we use assessment data to better understand each student’s academic progress and to make informed decisions about instruction, intervention, enrichment, and support. Assessments are not used as a single measure of student success, but rather as one important tool that helps teachers identify strengths, monitor growth, and determine where students may need additional help.

MAP Growth Assessments

CMMS students participate in MAP Growth assessments during the school year. MAP Growth is a computer-adaptive assessment, which means the questions adjust based on how each student responds. This helps provide a more accurate picture of what a student knows and what they are ready to learn next.

MAP Growth results help teachers monitor student progress over time, identify areas for growth, and plan instruction that meets the needs of individual students and classrooms. Families are encouraged to review MAP Growth information and ask questions about how their child is progressing.

Family Resource: MAP Growth Family Guide

 

PSSA Assessments

The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment, or PSSA, is the required state assessment given each spring. At CMMS, students in grades 5–8 take the English Language Arts and Mathematics assessments. Students in grades 5 and 8 also take the Science assessment.

PSSA results provide information about student performance related to Pennsylvania Academic Standards and help schools reflect on curriculum, instruction, and student support.

2027 CMMS PSSA Testing Dates

English Language Arts — Grades 5–8
April 27, 28, and 29, 2027
8:30–11:45 AM

Mathematics — Grades 5–8
May 3 and 4, 2027
8:30–11:45 AM

Science — Grades 5 and 8
May 5 and 6, 2027
8:30–11:45 AM

Keystone Algebra 1
TBD

Attendance During State Testing

Student attendance during PSSA testing is extremely important. We ask families to avoid scheduling appointments, vacations, or other absences during testing dates whenever possible. Students who are absent during a testing session will be scheduled for make-up testing.

Educational field trips will not be approved during scheduled PSSA testing dates. This helps ensure that students are present for required assessments and that testing can be completed in an organized and consistent way.

Questions?

If you have questions about MAP Growth, PSSA testing, testing dates, or your child’s assessment results, please contact the CMMS main office or your child’s school counselor.