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
Preparing for NAEP — NAEP Device Schools What is NAEP? NAEP Timeline NAEP Assessment Management System ("AMS") Pre-Assessment Tasks Overview How to Complete Pre-Assessment Tasks Inclusion and Accommodations Resources Q&A	Tuesday, December 9 at 10:00–11:00a.m.	NAEP School Coordinators at Schools administering NAEP using NAEP Devices	Any	Preassessment Responsibilities Guide — NAEP Device
Preparing for NAEP — School Device Schools What is NAEP? NAEP Timeline NAEP Assessment Management System ("AMS") Pre-Assessment Tasks Overview How to Complete Pre-Assessment Tasks Technical Logistics Inclusion and Accommodations Resources Q&A	Thursday, December 11 at 10:00–11:00 a.m.	NAEP School Coordinators at Schools administering NAEP using their School's Devices	Any	Preassessment Responsibilities Guide — School Device
Optional Office Hours for NAEP 2026 Preparing for NAEP Assessment 2026 How to Complete Preassessment Activities	Tuesday, December 16 at 9:30–10:30 a.m.	NAEP School Coordinators at schools selected for NAEP 2026	Any	-
Optional Office Hours for NAEP 2026 Preparing for NAEP Assessment 2026 How to Complete Preassessment Activities	Thursday, December 18 at 1:00–2:00 p.m.	NAEP School Coordinators at schools selected for NAEP 2026	Any	-
Optional Office Hours for NAEP 2026 Preparing for NAEP Assessment 2026 How to Complete Preassessment Activities	Friday, December 19 at 9:30–10:30 a.m.	NAEP School Coordinators at schools selected for NAEP 2026	Any	Updated for 2025-26: ChromeOS Application Installation
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, January 13 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)
ChromeOS Kiosk Installation Training for Technology Coordinators	Tuesday, January 13 at 9:30–11:00 a.m.	Technology coordinators at schools and districts that will use ChromeOS devices for MCAS testing	Any	-
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, January 14 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Courtyard by Marriott Boston Marlborough 75 Felton St Marlborough, MA 01752 (Space limited to 225 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. Share ideas for collecting high-quality evidence and data. Use this session to organize and assemble your students' portfolios.	Thursday, January 15 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)
Overview of Student Registration	Thursday, January 15 at 9:30–11:00 a.m.	School and district test coordinators	New staff, and returning staff who want a refresher	MCAS Student Registration Guide
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, January 20 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, January 22 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)
Accessibility and Accommodations	Thursday, January 22 at 9:30–11:00 a.m.	Principals and school test coordinators, district test coordinators, special education supervisors	New and returning staff	Accessibility and Accommodations Manual for the 2025–26 Test Administrations (to be available soon)
Office Hours — Accessibility and Accommodations	Monday, January 26 at 9:30–10:30 a.m.	Principals and school test coordinators, district test coordinators, special education supervisors	New and returning staff	Accessibility and Accommodations Manual for the 2025–26 Test Administrations (to be available soon)
MCAS Test Administration and Security Protocols for Returning Staff	Tuesday, January 27 at 9:30–11:00 a.m.	Principals and school test coordinators, district test coordinators	Returning staff	Principal's Administration Manual (to be available later this school year)
Office Hours — Student Registration	Wednesday, January 28 at 9:30–10:30 a.m.	Principals and school test coordinators, district test coordinators	Returning staff	MCAS Student Registration Guide
MCAS Test Administration and Security Protocols for New Staff	Thursday, January 29 at 9:30–11:00 a.m.	Principals and school test coordinators, district test coordinators	New staff	Principal's Administration Manual (to be available later this school year)
Technology Coordinator Training	Monday, February 2 at 9:30–11:00 a.m.	Technology coordinators	New and returning staff	MCAS Student Kiosk Technology Guide
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)
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: December 6, 2025