September 7, 2023 For Immediate Release
City Schools is changing how it calculates scores for middle and high school students participating in the School Choice process this fall. We are sharing this update now so you will have plenty of time to prepare for the application window, which opens on December 1, 2023.
We are updating the composite calculation formula. Historically, student test scores have been used in the composite score calculation. During the pandemic, test scores were not available. City Schools is now returning to its original composite score formula to ensure a fair and effective consideration for students.
Important changes include:
- Grades – City Schools will use middle and high school student’s final grades from the previous school year and the first quarter of the current school year to calculate a student’s final grade average.
- Example: We will use the final grades from 4th grade and the first quarter of 5th grade, or the final grades from 7th grade and the first quarter of 8th grade.
- Grading will count for 75 percent of the total composite score.
- Only grades from the core subjects (ELA, Math, Science and Social Studies) will be used to calculate the composite score.
- Assessments - MCAP ELA and Math assessment scores from Spring 2023 will be used to calculate the composite score.
Thank you for your flexibility and support as City Schools works to ensure a fair and effective School Choice process. We will provide a timeline for this school year’s choice process soon. Please stay tuned.
Please visit baltimorecityschools.org/choice for updates about the School Choice process.