Assessment/Accountability MCAS
Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System

MEPA Locator Survey for LEP Students in Grades Kindergarten Through 2

Beginning in spring 2009, students in grades K-2 will participate in the new K-2 MEPA-R/W tests by taking one of two levels, either A or B. It is expected that most students in kindergarten will take the Level A test, and most students in grade 2 will take the Level B test. However, to assist school principals and staff in determining the level at which to test each K-2 student, particularly those in grade 1, an optional "locator survey" and instructions for its use have been posted to the Department's website at www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/mepa/testadmin/.

Determinations regarding each student's level should be made soon so that school principals may order appropriate quantities of Level A and Level B MEPA test materials. School principals must order test materials at www.mcasservicecenter.com between January 12 and 23. School principals will need to place orders separately for each grade; materials should be ordered for the precise number of students enrolled.

"Locator Tests" for LEP Students in Other Grade Levels

New, optional "locator tests" for students in grades 3-12 will also be posted to the Department's website in February 2009. These tests are designed to assist educators in making appropriate decisions about whether to administer sessions 1 and 2 or sessions 2 and 3 of the MEPA-R/W tests to students in those grades. Determinations for testing students in grades 3-12 do not need to be made by the time of ordering test materials, since test booklets for those students will include all three test sessions, as in previous years.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please contact the MCAS Service Center at 800-737-5103 if you have any questions.