Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System

Training Opportunities

Below is a list of current training opportunities offered by the Office of Student Assessment Services. Register for a session by clicking the link in the "Training Dates/Times and Registration Links" column below. Recordings of MCAS training sessions will be posted in the MCAS Resource Center approximately one week after the session date.

Sessions and Topics to be Covered	Training Dates/Times Registration Links	Intended Audience	Intended Level of Experience	Recommended Read-Ahead Materials
In-Person MCAS-Alt Review session Bring your students' in-progress MCAS-Alt assessment and a tablet or laptop (limited outlets available for charging) to receive feedback and discuss your students' evidence. Use this session to organize and assemble your students' portfolios.	Tuesday March 3, 2026 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Taunton Hotel and Conference Center 700 Myles Standish Blvd Taunton, MA 02780 (Space limited to 250 persons)	Educators that are actively administering the MCAS-Alt to one or more students	New and returning staff	2026 Educator's Manual for MCAS-Alt Resource Guides English Language Arts and Literacy (PreK–Grade 12) Mathematics (PreK–Grade 12) Science and Technology/Engineering (STE) Civics (Grade 8 only)
In-Person MCAS-Alt Review session Bring your students' in-progress MCAS-Alt assessment and a tablet or laptop (limited outlets available for charging) to receive feedback and discuss your students' evidence. Use this session to organize and assemble your students' portfolios.	Wednesday March 4, 2026 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Springfield Marriott Downtown 2 Boland Way Springfield, MA 01115 (Space limited to 250 persons)	Educators that are actively administering the MCAS-Alt to one or more students	New and returning staff	2026 Educator's Manual for MCAS-Alt Resource Guides English Language Arts and Literacy (PreK–Grade 12) Mathematics (PreK–Grade 12) Science and Technology/Engineering (STE) Civics (Grade 8 only)
Tasks in the MCAS Portal Before Testing	Wednesday, March 4 at 9:30–11:00 a.m.	Principals and school test coordinators, district test coordinators	New and returning staff	Guide to the MCAS Portal (to be available soon)
In-Person MCAS-Alt Review session Bring your students' in-progress MCAS-Alt assessment and a tablet or laptop (limited outlets available for charging) to receive feedback and discuss your students' evidence. Use this session to organize and assemble your students' portfolios.	Thursday March 5, 2026 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Four Points by Sheraton in Wakefield One Audubon Road Wakefield, Massachusetts, USA, 01880 (Space limited to 250 persons)	Educators that are actively administering the MCAS-Alt to one or more students	New and returning staff	2026 Educator's Manual for MCAS-Alt Resource Guides English Language Arts and Literacy (PreK–Grade 12) Mathematics (PreK–Grade 12) Science and Technology/Engineering (STE) Civics (Grade 8 only)
Virtual MCAS-Alt Review Sessions: Using Zoom, DESE trained reviewers assist educators in virtual small breakout rooms. Each hour time slot is limited to 75 participants. Educators will be able to share their screens with the reviewers	Tuesday March 10, 2026 8:30a.m.–2:50 p.m. Sign up for a single 1-hour time block between 8:30 a.m.–2:50 p.m. (No sessions will be offered between 12:00–12:40 p.m.)	Educators that actively administering the MCAS-Alt to one or more students	New and returning staff	2026 Educator's Manual for MCAS-Alt Resource Guides English Language Arts and Literacy (PreK–Grade 12) Mathematics (PreK–Grade 12) Science and Technology/Engineering (STE) Civics (Grade 8 only)
Virtual MCAS-Alt Review Sessions: Using Zoom, DESE trained reviewers assist educators in virtual small breakout rooms. Each hour time slot is limited to 75 participants. Educators will be able to share their screens with the reviewers	Thursday March 12, 2026 8:30a.m.–2:50 p.m. Sign up for a single 1-hour time block between 8:30 a.m.–2:50 p.m. (No sessions will be offered between 12:00–12:40 p.m.)	Educators that actively administering the MCAS-Alt to one or more students	New and returning staff	2026 Educator's Manual for MCAS-Alt Resource Guides English Language Arts and Literacy (PreK–Grade 12) Mathematics (PreK–Grade 12) Science and Technology/Engineering (STE) Civics (Grade 8 only)
Tasks in the MCAS Portal During and After Testing	Thursday, March 12 at 9:30–11:00 a.m.	Principals and school test coordinators, district test coordinators	New and returning staff	Guide to the MCAS Portal (to be available soon)
Office Hours — MCAS Portal Tasks	Thursday, March 19 at 9:30–11:00 a.m.	Principals and school test coordinators, district test coordinators	New and returning staff	Guide to the MCAS Portal (to be available soon)

Last Updated: February 24, 2026