Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System

Student Assessment Updates

Principals, MCAS test coordinators, special education directors, and EL program directors automatically receive the Student Assessment Update based on contact information submitted to the Department. To change your email address or to add another staff member who serves in one of these roles, please follow the instructions below:

  • Public school districts, public schools, charter public schools, educational collaboratives, approved private special education schools, and alternative education programs: Submit the new email address to your District-Level Directory Administrator.
  • Test sites, adult education programs, out-of-state schools, SEIS-DYS programs: Email your updates to ESEDirectoryAdministrator@Mass.Gov (be sure to include your 8 digit school code and school name).

Others who wish to subscribe can use the subscribe and unsubscribe links in the footer of one of the editions below. Please contact mcas@mass.gov with any questions or comments.

2026

  • May 12, 2026

    MCAS Updates for All Schools
    1. Resources and Support during Testing
    2. Initial Release of the 2026–27 Statewide Testing Schedule
    3. Accessibility and Accommodations
    4. Upcoming Webinars: MCAS Growth to Standard and MCAS Early Release Data
    MCAS Updates for High Schools
    1. Grade 10 Mathematics Test Administration Dates
    2. Grade 10 ELA Machine-Scored (V1) Results Available
    MCAS Alternate Assessment (MCAS-Alt) Update
    1. Reminder for Principal's Certification of Proper Administration (PCPA) for the 2026 MCAS-Alt
    WIDA ACCESS Updates
    1. WIDA ACCESS, WIDA Alternate ACCESS, and WIDA ACCESS for Kindergarten Results and Progress Targets
    2. ACCESS Reporting and Planning Webinar
    3. Schedule of Test Results in the Security Portal and Edwin Analytics
    4. Reminder from Previous Update

  • April 29, 2026

    MCAS Updates for All Schools
    1. Resources and Support during Testing
    2. Accessibility and Accommodations
    3. Reminders from Previous Update
    MCAS Updates for Grades 3–8
    1. Reminder: 2027 ELA Test Design Webinar
    MCAS Updates for High Schools
    1. Important: June High School Science Student Registration - Action Needed by Thursday, April 30
    2. Grade 10 ELA Machine-Scored (V1) Results Expected To Be Available on May 7
    3. Reminder from Previous Update
    MCAS Alternate Assessment (MCAS-Alt) Update
    1. Principal's Certification of Proper Administration (PCPA)
    WIDA ACCESS Updates
    1. Results for WIDA ACCESS Now Available
    2. New WIDA Alternate ACCESS Exit Criteria
    NAEP Testing for Selected Schools
    1. Reminder from Previous Update: Conclusion of NAEP Testing

  • April 7, 2026

    MCAS Updates for All Schools
    1. Resources and Support during Testing
    2. Instructions for Assigning the Spanish/English Test Editions in the MCAS Portal
    3. Manuals Shipments
    4. MCAS Accessibility and Accommodations
    5. Reminders from Previous Update
    MCAS Updates for Grades 3–8
    1. Grades 3–8 ELA Testing Ends on April 17
    2. Upcoming Webinar: 2027 Test Design Changes for Grades 3–8 ELA
    3. Upcoming Shipment for Grades 3–8 Math, STE, and Civics: April 13
    MCAS Updates for High Schools
    1. High School Science Student Registration Window: April 10–28
    2. Requests for a Waiver from the MCAS CBT Expectation for Science: Submit by April 10
    3. Reminder: Results from the February 2026 High School Science Tests
    WIDA ACCESS Updates
    1. Reporting Dates
    NAEP Testing for Selected Schools
    1. Conclusion of NAEP Testing and Reporting of Results

  • March 24, 2026

    MCAS Updates for All Schools
    1. Resources and Support during Spring Testing
    2. Completing Site Readiness Prior to Testing
    3. Reminders from Previous Updates
    MCAS Updates for High Schools
    1. High School Science Student Registration Window and Participation Guidelines
    2. Results from the February 2026 High School Science Tests
    MCAS Alternate Assessment (MCAS-Alt) Updates
    1. Reminder from Previous Update
    WIDA ACCESS Updates
    1. WIDA ACCESS Pre-Reporting Data Validation

  • March 10, 2026

    MCAS Updates for All Schools
    1. Important Update: Printed MCAS Individual Student Reports (ISRs) Available by Order Only
    2. MCAS Portal Overview for Test Administrators Module Now Available
    3. MCAS Student Kiosk iPad App Update
    4. MCAS Portal Tasks
    5. Availability of the MCAS Student Kiosk; Requests to Test Outside Regular Hours for Spring 2026
    6. Sample Files for Conducting Practice Tests in the MCAS Training Site
    7. Resources and Support for Computer-Based Testing
    8. Shipments for MCAS ELA Testing
    9. Reminders from Previous Updates
    MCAS Updates for High Schools
    1. Results from the February 2026 High School Science Tests
    MCAS Alternate Assessment (MCAS-Alt) Updates
    1. MCAS-Alt Submission Reminders
    WIDA ACCESS Updates
    1. Pre-Reporting Data Validation
    NAEP Testing 2026 for Selected Schools
    1. Reminder from Previous Update

  • February 24, 2026

    MCAS Updates for All Schools
    1. MCAS Test Administration Trainings
    2. MCAS Portal and Resource Center
    3. MCAS Accessibility and Accommodations
    4. Reminders from Previous Updates
    MCAS Updates for High Schools
    1. Reminder from Previous Updates
    MCAS Alternate Assessment (MCAS-Alt) Updates
    1. Important Reminders for the 2026 MCAS-Alt
    WIDA ACCESS Updates
    1. End of Administration Window
    2. Returning Materials
    3. Additional Reminders
    4. Reminders from the Previous Update
    NAEP Testing 2026 for Selected Schools
    1. NAEP Testing 2026 Updates

  • February 6, 2026

    MCAS Updates for All Schools
    1. Test Administration Manuals for 2026 Now Available
    2. Technology Preparations for Upcoming Administrations
    3. MCAS Training Sessions
    4. MCAS Accessibility and Accommodations
    5. Reminder from the Previous Update
    MCAS Updates for High Schools
    1. Results from the November 2025 Retests
    2. Reminders from Previous Updates
    MCAS Alternate Assessment (MCAS-Alt) Updates
    1. MCAS-Alt Review Sessions March 2026
    2. MCAS-Alt Submissions
    3. Reminders from the Previous Update
    WIDA ACCESS Updates
    1. ACCESS Testing Window
    2. Testing Newly Enrolled Students
    3. Reading Domain Exemption Clarification
    4. Early Return of Grades 1–3 Writing Materials
    5. New Coordinator of English Language Proficiency Assessment
    6. Reminders from the Previous Update
    NAEP Testing 2026 for Selected Schools
    1. NAEP Testing 2026 Updates

  • January 26, 2026 Special Edition

    For High Schools
    1. February Science Administration Dates
    2. February Science Resources
    3. Reminders for February Science
    4. Support During MCAS Testing

  • January 21, 2026

    For All Schools
    1. 2026 MCAS Practice Tests Updates
    2. MCAS Administration Webinars
    3. MCAS Accessibility and Accommodations
    4. Reminders from the Previous Update
    MCAS Alternate Assessment
    1. MCAS-Alt Statement of Assurances Required by January 31, 2026
    2. MCAS-Alt Civics Reminder
    3. MCAS-Alt Reminders
    WIDA ACCESS Updates
    1. New WIDA ACCESS Transition Webpage
    2. Ordering Additional ACCESS Materials
    For Grades 3–8
    1. Reminder from the Previous Update
    For High Schools
    1. Student Registration Window for Spring Grade 10 MCAS Testing: January 26–February 6
    2. Class of 2026 John and Abigail Adams Scholarship Letters Available Soon for November 2025 Retests
    3. Updated November Retest Reporting Schedule
    NAEP Testing 2026 for Selected Schools
    1. NAEP Testing 2026 Updates

  • January 8, 2026

    For All Schools
    1. Updated MCAS Portal Documents Available Soon
    2. Upcoming Deadlines for the Spring 2026 MCAS Tests
    3. Upcoming MCAS Administration Webinars
    4. New MCAS Item Library Now Available
    5. MCAS Accessibility and Accommodations
    6. WIDA ACCESS Test Administration
    7. Reminders from the Previous Update
    For Grades 3–8
    1. Student Registration Window for Spring Grades 3–8 MCAS Testing: January 20–30
    For High Schools
    1. Reminder for Technology Coordinators: Conduct Site Readiness on All Device Configurations Prior to February Science
    2. Reminders from the Previous Update
    For Selected Schools
    1. NAEP Testing 2026

2025

  • December 10, 2025

    For All Schools
    1. Passwords for the MCAS Service Center Secure Website
    2. Technology Coordinator Training: ChromeOS Kiosk Installation
    3. MCAS Student Kiosk Updates for iPadOS and MacOS
    4. MCAS English Language Arts (ELA) Updates
    5. Accessibility and Accommodations Manual Available Soon
    6. Delivery of ACCESS Test Materials
    7. Reminders from the Previous Update
    For High Schools
    1. Results from the November Retests
    2. Translated Templates of Adam Scholarship Award Letters Available
    3. Reminders from the Previous Update
    For Selected Schools
    1. NAEP Testing 2026

  • November 25, 2025

    For All Schools
    1. MCAS BYOD Participation: Notification Deadlines for Winter and Spring 2026
    2. MCAS Individual Student Reports (ISRs) Available in the MCAS Portal
    3. MCAS Alternate Assessment (MCAS-Alt) Updates
    4. WIDA ACCESS Updates
    For Grade 8
    1. Reminder: MCAS Civics State-level Performance Task Topic for Spring 2026
    For High Schools
    1. February Science Student Registration Window: December 1–12
    2. Requesting a Waiver from the MCAS CBT Expectation for the February Science Tests: Submit by December 10
    3. November Retest MCAS Portal Cleanup
    For Selected Schools
    1. Reminder: NAEP Testing 2026

  • November 13, 2025

    For All Schools
    1. MCAS Alternate Assessment (MCAS-Alt)
    2. Reminders: WIDA ACCESS
    For Grade 8
    1. MCAS Civics State-level Performance Task Topic for Spring 2026
    For High Schools
    1. November Retest Administration
    2. Student Registration for the February Science Tests
    For Selected Schools
    1. NAEP Testing 2026

  • October 28, 2025

    For All Schools
    1. Updates to the MCAS Student Kiosk and MCAS Portal
    2. WIDA ACCESS
    3. MCAS Alternate Assessment (MCAS-Alt) Eligibility
    4. Reminders from Previous Updates
    For High Schools
    1. November Retest Administration Dates
    2. Test Administration Resources for the November Retests Now Available
    3. Reminders for Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the November Retests
    4. Reminder from the Previous Update

  • October 15, 2025

    For All Schools
    1. Pre-Administration Guide for the 2025–26 MCAS Tests Now Available
    2. MCAS Test Administration Training Webinars
    3. Updated MCAS Portal Guides Available on the MCAS Resource Center
    4. MCAS Sites IP Address Restrictions
    5. MCAS Alternate Assessment (MCAS-Alt)
    6. WIDA ACCESS
    7. Reminder from Previous Updates
    For High Schools
    1. Test Administration Manuals for November 2025 Retests Now Available
    2. Technology Preparations for November 2025 Retests
    3. Reminders from the Previous Updates

  • October 3, 2025

    For All Schools
    1. Release of 2025 MCAS Results
    2. Updated MCAS Accessibility and Accommodation Materials
    3. WIDA ACCESS
    4. Important MCAS Alternate Assessment Trainings and Test Administration Dates
    5. Reminders from Previous Updates
    For High Schools
    1. Recording and Slides of November Retest Office Hours Webinar Now Available
    2. Availability of the MCAS Student Kiosk; Request to Test Outside Regular Hours for the November Retests
    3. Class of 2026 John and Abigail Adams Scholarship Information Available Soon

  • September 26, 2025 Special Edition

    For All Schools
    1. Delayed Launch of the MCAS Family Portal

  • September 24, 2025 Special Edition

    For All Schools
    1. Official Embargoed Spring 2025 MCAS Data Now Available

  • September 22, 2025 Special Edition

    For All Schools
    1. MCAS Family Portal Information to Share with Families

  • September 17, 2025

    For All Schools
    1. 2025–26 Statewide Testing Schedule and Administration Deadline Now Available
    2. Updated Student Kiosk and Technology Guidelines Now Available
    3. Winter and Spring 2025 MCAS Data Removed from MCAS Portal
    4. WIDA ACCESS
    5. MCAS Test Alternate Assessment Training Opportunities
    6. Reminders from Previous Updates
    For High Schools
    1. Reminders from Previous Updates
    For Selected Schools
    1. Reminder: NAEP 2026 Technology Surveys Due September 19

  • September 4, 2025 Special Edition

    For All Schools
    1. New MCAS Family Portal Available October 1

  • September 2, 2025

    For All Schools
    1. About this Update
    2. Information for New Test Coordinators
    3. 2025 Assessment and Accountability Reporting Schedule
    4. Updates to the MCAS Student Kiosk and MCAS Portal
    5. MCAS Student Kiosk Technology Requirements
    6. MCAS Test Administration Training Webinars
    7. Accessibility and Accommodations Workgroup Invitation
    8. ACCESS Test Results in DESE Security Portal in DropBoxes and Edwin
    9. New WIDA Alternate Screener
    For High Schools
    1. Discontinuation of the MCAS March Retest Administration
    2. Reminders from the Previous Update
    For Selected Schools
    1. Plans for NAEP 2026 Underway

  • August 26, 2025 Special Edition

    For High Schools
    1. About this Update
    2. Schedule for Testing and Administration Deadlines
    3. Student Registration Window: September 15–26
    4. MCAS Student Kiosk Technology Guidelines
    5. November Retest Office Hours Webinar on September 18
    6. Process to Request a Waiver from the MCAS CBT Expectation for November Retests: Submit by September 12
    7. MCAS BYOD Participation: Respond by September 19

  • August 5, 2025 Special Edition

    For All Schools
    1. MCAS Discrepancy Reporting Window: August 6–11

  • July 8, 2025 Special Edition

    For All Schools
    1. Initial Spring 2025 MCAS Early Release Schedule
    2. Webinar on Using MCAS Early Release Data Files

  • June 10, 2025

    For All Schools
    1. Spring 2025 Thank You and Planning Ahead
    2. ACCESS for ELLs: Steps for Technology Coordinators to Take by July 31
    3. MCAS-Alt Forms and Graphs: Print Records before June 30 Data Purge
    4. MCAS Grade-Level and Competency Portfolios for Students with Disabilities
    5. Reminders from Previous Updates
    For High Schools
    1. High School Science Testing Ends on June 12
    2. Translated Parent/Guardian Report Templates for the February 2025 High School Science Tests and March 2025 Retests Available for Download

  • May 29, 2025

    For All Schools
    1. PCPAs for Grades 3–8 and 10
    2. MCAS-Alt Score Appeals
    3. ACCESS for ELLs: Release of Results
    4. Reminders from Previous Updates
    For Grades 3–8
    1. Reminders from Previous Updates
    For High Schools
    1. June High School Science

  • May 20, 2025

    For Grades 3–8
    1. Grades 3–8 ELA Machine-Scored (V1) Results Available on May 20

Last Updated: May 14, 2026

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