Assessment/Accountability Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System
MCAS Alternate Assessment (MCAS-Alt)

Background:
MCAS is designed to measure a student's knowledge of key concepts and skills outlined in the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. A small number of students with the most significant disabilities who are unable to take the standard MCAS tests even with accommodations participate in the MCAS Alternate Assessment (MCAS-Alt). MCAS-Alt consists of a portfolio of specific materials collected annually by the teacher and student. Evidence for the portfolio may include work samples, instructional data, videotapes, and other supporting information.

• Learn about the MCAS-Alt. View an overview and frequently asked questions.

• Access student participation requirements for the MCAS standard test (including test accommodations) and MCAS-Alt.

• Requirements for the Participation of Students with Disabilities in MCAS (2011-12 Update)   

• Access resources for conducting MCAS-Alt and on upcoming training sessions, including MCAS-Alt Newsletters, the Resource Guide, Educator's Manual, MCAS-Alt Forms and Graphs, and order forms.

• See sample portfolio strands from students' MCAS-Alt portfolios. Also view students' self-evaluation samples.

• Find information on scoring portfolios and view reports of results. Also view information on the MCAS-Alt score appeals process.