Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System

Student Participation Guidelines for the High School Tests

Participation Guidelines for the High School Tests

All Massachusetts students who are seeking to earn a high school diploma must meet the Competency Determination (CD) standard, in addition to meeting all local graduation requirements. Read more information about the CD.

Participation Guidelines for High School Students in Military Families

Principals should be aware of the CD policy for high school students in military families. If a high school student in a military family moves from another state and enrolls in a Massachusetts public high school in grade 11 or later, the district may, in lieu of having the student participate in MCAS retests, submit to the Department alternative evidence or information that demonstrates that the student has met the CD graduation standard in each required content area.

Students in grade 11 may wish to participate in the spring grade 10 ELA and Mathematics tests and the high school STE tests for scholarship purposes. Parents/guardians and students should be provided with information about the available options .

Last Updated: January 30, 2024