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

Summary of 2003 State Results

Commissioner's Foreword

Dear Interested Parties:

I am pleased to present you with a summary of the performance of students with disabilities who participated in the most recent administration of the MCAS Alternate Assessment (MCAS-Alt). This report clearly indicates that students in Massachusetts with the most significant disabilities are, on the whole, being provided with challenging educational opportunities based on the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, and are making progress in their academic achievements. This report also identifies challenges inherent in educating these students and in measuring their progress and performance.

The MCAS-Alt provides a different way for students with significant disabilities to participate in statewide assessments when their IEP Teams determine they are unable to take standard MCAS tests in a particular subject. How each student participates in MCAS is the decision of his or her IEP Team. When the Team determines a student cannot participate in testing, either by taking standard MCAS tests with or without accommodations, he or she must participate in an MCAS Alternate Assessment.

It is important and necessary that all students with significant disabilities participate in MCAS and that their results be reported publicly. When the results of these students are visible in school, district, and state reports, and when these students contribute meaningfully to Adequate Yearly Progress, there is a greater tendency to provide students with disabilities the resources and instruction that holds them to higher standards and expectations. The MCAS-Alt monitors the annual performance of these students on state standards in a way that is both meaningful and appropriate, and provides parents and teachers with vital information on improving their education.

Sincerely,

David P. Driscoll
Commissioner of Education

Acknowledgments

Massachusetts Alternate Assessment Advisory Committee

Staff

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