Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS)
The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) was first implemented in 1993 in response to state and federal mandates that students who are educated with public funds must participate in statewide standardized tests in core content areas of English Language Arts and Mathematics. Since then, MCAS has expanded to include subject area tests in Science,Technology & Engineering and Civics in identified grade levels.
MCAS tests are administered in the Spring of each school year.
|
Grade |
Subjects |
|---|---|
|
3 |
English Language Arts & Mathematics |
|
4 |
English Language Arts & Mathematics |
|
5 |
English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science, Technology & Engineering (STE) |
|
6 |
English Language Arts & Mathematics |
|
7 |
English Language Arts & Mathematics |
|
8 |
English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Technology & Engineering (STE), Civics |
|
10 |
English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science, Technology & Engineering (STE) |
Additional information regarding MCAS may be found at http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/.
ACCESS for ELLs
Federal and state laws require that all English language learner (ELL) students in Grades Kindergarten-12 be assessed annually to measure their proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking English, as well as the progress they are making towards learning English. In fulfillment of these laws, ELL students are required to participate in the ACCESS for ELLs tests administered annually in January-February.
ACCESS for ELLs tests are based on the WIDA (World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment) English Language Development standards.
Additional information regarding ACCESS may be found at http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/access/.
