Assessment/Accountability
Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System

Test Yourself: Questions from the
Statewide Student Test

Sample the Test Everyone's Talking About

Question 1

The minimum wage increased from $5.25 per hour to $5.75 per hour.

a) What was the rate of increase of the minimum wage?

b) Kevin was earning $6.35 per hour at the time of the minimum wage increase. His employer raised his salary to $7.10 per hour. Did his boss give him an increase comparable to the rate of increase given to the lower wage earners? Explain your reasoning.

c) Allana, who also works for the same employer, was promised a raise. If she had been making $7.40 per hour, what new hourly wage would reflect an increase comparable to that received by the minimum wage earners? Show how you arrived at her new hourly wage.

Question 2

What is the main clause of the following sentence?

&34;Far from being merely fantastic or cultish, myths are a treasure of realities - a kaleidoscope which, depending upon the age and experience of the reader, reflects and illuminates his experiences, fantasies, hopes, and fears.&34; (excerpted from the introduction to Mythology and You)

A. &34;Far from being merely fantastic or cultish...&34;

B. &34;...myths are a treasure of realities...&34;

C. &34;...- a kaleidoscope which, depending upon the age and experience of the reader...&34;

D. &34;reflects and illuminates his experiences, fantasies, hopes, and fears.&34;

Question 3

Two identical test tubes are inverted in a beaker of water. One test tube has air inside it. The other test tube has air and a ball of moistened steel wool in it. Assuming that temperature and pressure remain constant, predict what will happen chemically and what the system will look like after being left untouched for several weeks.

What's This All About?

You just attempted to answer three questions that were on
the new statewide tests given last May to all tenth grade students in Massachusetts public schools. The tests were very different from most standardized tests.

The new state tests are part of the state's efforts to make our schools among the best in the country and in the world. Fourth and eighth grade students are also required to take these tests, known as the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS).

Higher Standards

Don't be surprised if the results show that many students need to improve. Why? Because we're expecting more from our students. The tests are based on new statewide learning standards that are very demanding. And the same high standards are set for all students, not just for students in the top classes. It's going to take time for teachers to adjust their curriculum and teaching techniques to rise to meet the standards. It's also going to take time for students to adjust to the rigorous type of response required on the tests.

Higher Expectations

BUT - we can expect to see improvements after this year. This first year's results will tell us where we are now. With this information, we'll know how much work needs to be done to reach our goal of having the best-prepared students for the future.

We have set our sights high because we need to. Students today need to have a high level of skills if they are to compete in a complex global economy. And research shows that when expectations are raised, student achievement improves.

That's where you come in. As a parent, a community leader, a retiree, a person with a business, you can help to improve our schools. See the panel on the right for ways that you can make a difference.

Dear Community Member:

Thank you for being a partner with us in our efforts to help children learn. Together, we will strengthen the education of Massachusetts' students.

David P. Driscoll
Commissioner of Education