For 2021-2022, MCPS will use a lottery-based selection process for magnet middle schools, and will not administer the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) exam this year for second, third, fifth, and eighth graders (2022 Regional (criteria-based) magnet programs Overview & FAQ). It will rely on achievement assessments such as MAP scores and grades. MCPS has not yet released information regarding the Centers for Enriched Studies, but similar changes are anticipated. These changes also impact placement into advanced elementary and middle school courses at local schools.
Please see the alert we prepared (via link below) and share with your communities. It contains robust information about potential implications of this year’s process and information about processes used in previous years.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ryJpj4ZY7SsUsrYiv978K4cluz2hvmpEVwkzwHUxDwU/edit?usp=sharing