Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System

Student Assessment Update: October 8, 2013

English Language Learner (ELL) Documents

The following ELL documents have been posted on the Department's website:

Principal's Pre-Administration Manual: ACCESS for ELLs; Tasks to be Completed in Fall 2013

Guidance on Identification, Assessment, Placement, and Reclassification of English Language Learners

2014-2015 Testing Schedule

The 2014-15 testing schedule for MCAS and ACCESS for ELLs is now posted. The Department announces testing dates well in advance to assist schools with the development of school and district calendars and to ensure that priority is given to the testing schedule. You will note that PARCC testing dates are not included in this schedule. The schedule for PARCC operational testing will be posted when it is available. As a reminder, state and federal laws require schools to make reasonable accommodations for students and employees who observe religious holidays.

Important Upcoming Dates

October 7, 9, 16, and 17: MCAS-Alt training sessions for educators (a.m.) and administrators (p.m.)
October 10 and 11: ACCESS for ELLs training sessions for school and district test coordinators (Face-to-face sessions and one live webinar are being offered.)

About this Update

The Student Assessment Update provides important information about the state's testing programs. The update is scheduled to be distributed to schools on a bimonthly basis (less frequently in the summer). We welcome your feedback at mcas@doe.mass.edu. Principals, MCAS test coordinators, and ELL directors receive this update via email based on contact information that your school submitted to the Department. To change your email address or to add another staff member, please follow the instructions below:

Public school districts, public schools, charter public schools, collaboratives, approved special education schools: Submit the new email address to your District-Level Directory Administrator, who is responsible for submitting contact information to the Department.
MCAS test sites, adult education programs, out-of-state schools, SEIS-DYS programs: Submit an email address (along with your District and School Code) to the Department at diradmin@doe.mass.edu.

Last Updated: October 10, 2013