Achievement Levels on the Next-Generation Science and Technology/Engineering (STE) Tests

Achievement Levels

Student results on all next-generation STE MCAS tests are reported according to these achievement levels:

• Exceeding Expectations
• Meeting Expectations
• Partially Meeting Expectations
• Not Meeting Expectations.

Policy-Level Achievement Level Descriptors

The policy-level achievement level descriptors, which apply across all subject areas and grade levels, are used as a basis for determining the minimum score for each of the achievement levels on each of the next-generation MCAS tests.

Exceeding Expectations

A student who performed at this level exceeded grade-level expectations by demonstrating mastery of the subject matter.

Meeting Expectations

A student who performed at this level met grade-level expectations and is academically on track to succeed in the current grade in this subject.

Partially Meeting Expectations

A student who performed at this level partially met grade-level expectations in this subject. The school, in consultation with the student's parent/guardian, should consider whether the student needs additional academic assistance to succeed in this subject.

Not Meeting Expectations

A student who performed at this level did not meet grade-level expectations in this subject. The school, in consultation with the student's parent/guardian, should determine the coordinated academic assistance and/or additional instruction the student needs to succeed in this subject.

STE Subject-Specific Achievement Level Descriptors

The subject-specific achievement level descriptors (ALDs) are intended to help educators, students, and parents/guardians understand the meaning of the MCAS results.

• Grade 5 STE Achievement Level Descriptors

• Grade 8 STE Achievement Level Descriptors

• Biology Achievement Level Descriptors

• Introductory Physics Achievement Level Descriptors

Last Updated: October 24, 2022