Initial Release of the 2023–24 MCAS and ACCESS for ELLs Testing Schedule

We are pleased to release the initial 2023–24 MCAS and ACCESS for ELLs testing schedule (updated August 21, 2023).

Guidance on Test Dates and Holiday Observances

Principals should be aware that state and federal laws require schools to make reasonable accommodations for the religious needs of students and employees in observance of holy days as directed by this guidance from Commissioner Riley. In particular, schools may find this list of major holidays (linked from the Commissioner's guidance) to be helpful for planning purposes. Students who are absent from school in observance of a holiday may participate in a make-up session as soon as possible after the regularly administered session. Schools may contact the Office of Student Assessment Services with questions.

Note for Grades 3–8

Elementary schools should note that unlike in years past, the first available date to administer Mathematics tests for grades 3–8 will be the same as the first date for administering grades 5 and 8 STE (April 23, 2024).

Notes for High Schools

High schools should note that March 5 is the scheduled date of the presidential primary in Massachusetts, and since some schools will be closed on that day, that date may only be used for make-up testing for ELA Session 1 (which will be administered on March 4), and all high schools must wait to administer ELA Session 2 until March 6.

Schools that previously scheduled activities and now find a conflict with one of the high school prescribed dates should contact the Office of Student Assessment Services .

Computer-Based Testing (CBT) Expectation and Process for Requesting a Waiver

In the 2023–24 school year, the transition to all next-generation, computer-based tests will be complete, and schools will be expected to administer all MCAS tests online, with case-by-case exceptions for paper-based testing for students who need the accommodation. Schools with special circumstances (e.g., there are technology constraints that make computer-based testing unfeasible; all students will take the MCAS-Alt; all students will take paper-based tests as an accommodation) may request a school-level exemption by following procedures to be provided in the fall.

In the fall, DESE will provide a full schedule that contains updates including make-up testing windows, student registration dates, and other test administration deadlines.

Thank you.

Last Updated: August 21, 2023