Assessment/Accountability Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System
MEPA
(Massachusetts English Proficiency Assessment)

MEPA Online Testing

Overview

In spring 2010, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education first invited schools with English language learner (ELL) students to participate on a voluntary basis in MEPA online testing. Schools were invited to designate ELL students in one or more grade spans in grades 3-12 to take the online tests. (ELL students in grades K-2 were required to take paper-and-pencil tests.) About 13.75 percent of ELL students (5,273), participated in MEPA online testing using their computers in spring 2010.

In spring 2011, 6,643, or about 15 percent of ELL students, participated in MEPA testing using computers. In 2010 and 2011, only schools with a high incidence of ELL students were invited to participate in online testing, and only those that met the minimum technology requirements participated. For spring 2012, all schools that meet the minimum technology requirements are invited to participate in online testing.

Online testing allows students to participate in the MEPA using the technology routinely available to them and reduces the need for schools to store, count, distribute, collect, and ship paper test forms. Schools must have a sufficient number of computers that meet the minimum technology requirements in order to test all students (with rare exceptions) in the selected grade spans. The Department provides face-to-face and web-based training to principals/designees, test coordinators, and technology coordinators on the use of the online testing system. A technology service center is also available to provide technical support to participating schools.