Assessment/Accountability
Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System

The 1993 Education Reform Law mandates that all students in the tested grades who are educated with Massachusetts public funds participate in MCAS, including

• students enrolled in public schools
• students enrolled in charter schools
• students enrolled in educational collaboratives
• students enrolled in private schools receiving special education that is publicly funded by the Commonwealth, including approved and unapproved private special education schools within and outside Massachusetts
• students enrolled in institutional settings receiving educational services
• students in mobile military families
• students in the custody of either the Department of Social Services (DSS) or the Department of Youth Services (DYS)
• students with disabilities (see Students with Disabilities)
• students with limited English proficiency (see ELL Students)
• students in high school (participation guidelines for the Fall/Winter 2011-2012 MCAS High School Tests and Retests)

See the Principal’s Administration Manual for more detailed information about general participation requirements.