Assessment/Accountability
MCAS Performance Appeals

Letter to Students in the Class of 2003

September 2003

Dear Member of the Class of 2003:

This letter is regarding the report of your scores for the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) tests you took last spring. If you received passing scores on the English Language Arts Retest and/or Mathematics Retest, I congratulate you on your perseverance. The tests are demanding, and passing scores indicate your achievement of core knowledge and skills.

If you did not receive passing scores, I am sure that you are disappointed to learn that you have not yet met the minimum state standards required to qualify for a high school diploma. However, I am pleased to inform you of an additional opportunity this fall to meet those standards and earn your diploma. You are invited to participate in the next set of retests that have been scheduled for the week of November 17. The English Language Arts Retest will be administered over three days from November 17 to 19, and the Mathematics Retest will be administered on November 20 and 21.

If you choose to take advantage of this opportunity, you must participate in the retests at the high school you attended last year. In addition, you must notify the school guidance office or principal of your intention to participate by Friday, September 26. This opportunity is open only to members of the class of 2003 who did not participate in the retests at the end of July.

Alternatively, since it is important to engage in remedial activities before taking the test again, you may want to participate in mathematics and/or English language arts classes this fall and winter. You would then be able to take the retest(s) scheduled for the week of March 1, 2004. If you decide to exercise this option, you should plan to notify the principal or guidance office by early January of your intention to participate.

In addition to the retest opportunities, you may be eligible for an MCAS Performance Appeal. I am still accepting appeals on behalf of students in the class of 2003. An appeal must be filed by the superintendent of the district where a student last attended school. For further information, please read the attached letter on the MCAS Performance Appeals process or contact your high school principal or guidance office.

I hope that you will seriously consider continuing to pursue a high school diploma, and wish you well in this endeavor.

Sincerely,

David P. Driscoll
Commissioner of Education

Copy: Parents/Guardians