Assessment/Accountability
MCAS Performance Appeals

August 2010

Dear Parents, High School Students, and Educators:

Welcome to the MCAS Performance Appeals website. The MCAS Performance Appeals process was established in 2002 to provide eligible high school students who have been unable to pass the required MCAS tests an additional opportunity to demonstrate through their course work that they meet or exceed the state's Competency Determination (CD) standard in order to earn a high school diploma.

To earn a CD, students in the class of 2010 and beyond must achieve a scaled score of at least 240 on the grade 10 MCAS English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics tests, and earn a scaled score of at least 220 on a high school MCAS Science and Technology/Engineering test in one of four subjects (biology, chemistry, introductory physics, or technology/ engineering). Students who do not receive a score of 240 or higher on the grade 10 ELA and Mathematics tests must successfully complete an Educational Proficiency Plan (EPP) developed for them in order to earn a CD. Please refer to www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/graduation.html for more information about graduation requirements and the Department's EPP website for more information about EPPs.

Earning a high school diploma is critical for success. While the vast majority of the graduates in the classes of 2003-2010 have met the state standard by achieving the required scores on the high school MCAS tests or retests, more than 2,800 students have already earned a CD through the MCAS Performance Appeals process. Please refer to Frequently Asked Questions about the MCAS Appeals Process for more information about MCAS appeals.

It is my intention to ensure that eligible high school students are given the opportunity to have MCAS Performance Appeals filed on their behalf. I appreciate your efforts on behalf of all students who have yet to meet the high school standards.

Sincerely,
Mitchell D. Chester, Ed.D.
Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education