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.

For the Constructed Response and essay informational webinars, DESE will post the PowerPoint slides with voiceover audio to the DESE website after the webinars take place. An email will be sent out once posted.

Sessions and Topics to be Covered	Training Dates/Times Registration Links	Intended Audience	Intended Level of Experience	Recommended Read-Ahead Materials
November Retest Administration Overview of computer-based testing Overview of the SR/PNP process Overview of accessibility features and accommodations	Monday, September 9 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.	Principals and test coordinators	New staff (and returning staff seeking a refresher)	MCAS Pre-Administration Guide for the November 2024 Retest Guide to the SR/PNP Process Accessibility and Accommodations Manual for the November 2024 Retest Administration PAN Overview Video
WIDA Alternate ACCESS Reclassification Criteria Changes in the test How exit readiness and making progress will be determined How to use the English Language Observation Form	Wednesday, September 25 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.	ACCESS for ELLs Test Coordinators, English Language Program Directors	New and returning staff
Introduction to the MCAS-Alt Core Concepts Describes in depth the process of completing an MCAS-Alt for students	Tuesday, October 8 Part A: 9:00–10:30 a.m. Part B: 1:00–2:30 p.m. or Monday, October 21 Part A: 9:00–10:30 a.m. Part B: 1:00–2:30 p.m.	Educators who have not recently administered an MCAS-Alt	New staff (and returning staff seeking a refresher)	2025 Educator's Manual for MCAS-Alt
English Language Arts- Writing for the MCAS-Alt Describes in depth the process of assessing writing skills for the MCAS-Alt ELA requirements	Wednesday, October 9 10:00–11:30 a.m. or Tuesday, October 22 1:00–2:30 p.m.	All educators seeking support assessing students' writing skills	New staff (and returning staff seeking a refresher)	2025 Educator's Manual for MCAS-Alt English Language Arts and Literacy (PreK–Grade 12) Resource Guide
Science and Technology/ Engineering for the MCAS-Alt Describes in depth the process of assessing Science for the MCAS-Alt	Thursday, October 10 9:30–11:00 a.m. or Wednesday, October 23 1:00–2:30 p.m.	All educators assessing students in Science and Tech/Eng in grades 5, 8, and high school	New staff (and returning staff seeking a refresher)	2025 Educator's Manual for MCAS-Alt Science and Technology/Engineering (STE) Resource Guide
Civics for the MCAS-Alt Describes all requirements and the process of assessing Civics for the MCAS-Alt	Thursday, October 10 1:00–2:30 p.m. or Wednesday, October 23 9:30–11:00 a.m.	All educators administering the MCAS-Alt for students in grade 8	Any staff administering or overseeing the MCAS-Alt for students in grade 8.	2025 Educator's Manual for MCAS-Alt Civics Resource Guide (Grade 8)
MCAS-Alt Update Covers important new requirements for the 2025 MCAS-Alt test administration	Tuesday, October 1 9:30–11:00 a.m. or Thursday, October 3 1:00–2:30 p.m. or Monday, October 7 9:30–11:00 a.m.	Educators that have completed at least one MCAS-Alt last school year	Returning staff seeking a refresher	2025 Educator's Manual for MCAS-Alt
Administrators Overview for the MCAS-Alt Provides a general review of the MCAS-Alt requirements and how school administrators can oversee the administration	Wednesday, October 9 1:30–3:00 p.m. or Tuesday, October 22 9:30–11:00 a.m.	Principals, special education administrators, and educators that supervise MCAS test administration	New administrators (and returning administrators seeking a refresher)	2025 Principal's Manual for MCAS-Alt

Last Updated: September 3, 2024