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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.

2024

  • March 26, 2024

    For All Schools
    1. Resources and Support during Testing
    2. Updating Operating Systems
    3. ACCESS for ELLs

    For Grades 3–8
    1. Grade 8 Civics Field Test

    For High Schools
    1. High School Science SR/PNP Window and Participation Guidelines
    2. MCAS Portfolio Appeals Submission Deadline: March 29
    3. Reminder: Results from the February 2024 High School Science Tests

  • March 12, 2024

    For All Schools
    1. Resources and Support for Computer-Based Testing
    2. Availability of TestNav; Requests to Test Outside Regular Hours for Spring 2024 Testing
    3. ACCESS for ELLs Data Validation Office Hours Webinar
    4. Reminders from the Previous Update

    For Grades 3–8
    1. Grade 8 Civics Field Test SR/PNP Window Opens on March 25

    For High Schools
    1. Results from the February 2024 High School Science Tests

  • February 27, 2024

    For All Schools
    1. Technology Preparations for the March Retests and Spring 2024 Testing
    2. Resources and Support for Computer-Based Testing
    3. MCAS-Alt
    4. Reminders from the Previous Update

    For Grades 3–8
    1. Civics Field Test Training on March 21

    For High Schools
    1. March Retest Administration Dates

  • February 13, 2024

    For All Schools
    1. Sample Slides for Training Test Administrators
    2. ACCESS for ELLs: End of the ACCESS Testing Window
    3. Reminders from the Previous Update

    For Grades 3–8
    1. New Resource for the Grade 8 Civics Field Test

    For High Schools
    1. Availability of TestNav; Requests to Test Outside Regular Hours for the March Retests

  • January 30, 2024

    For All Schools
    1. Email Address for Student Assessment Services
    2. Test Administration Manuals for Spring 2024 Now Available
    3. Recordings of MCAS Test Administration Trainings Now Available
    4. Technology Preparations for Upcoming Administrations
    5. Student Registration Deadlines and Instructions for Editing SR/PNP Files Using Google Sheets
    6. Resources for Preparing Students for Computer-Based Testing: Student Tutorial and Practice Tests
    7. Training Session for Schools Administering MCAS to Students with Visual Impairments
    8. Bilingual Word-to-Word Dictionary E-Book Version Permitted for 2024 MCAS Tests
    9. ACCESS for ELLs
    10. Reminders from the Previous Update

    For Grades 3–8
    1. Student Registration for the Grades 5 and 8 STE Pilot

    For High Schools
    1. Reminders from the Previous Update

  • January 16, 2024

    For All Schools
    1. SR/PNP Windows for Spring Administrations Opening Soon
    2. Infrastructure Trial Windows and Technology Support for the Spring 2024 MCAS Administrations
    3. Access to the Security Portal
    4. ACCESS for ELLs
    5. Reminders from the Previous Update

    For Grades 3–8
    1. Reminder: Test Administration Training for Schools Participating in the Grades 5 and 8 STE Pilot

    For High Schools
    1. Sample Training Slides for February Science Available This Week
    2. Availability of TestNav; Requests to Test Outside Regular Hours for February Science
    3. John and Abigail Adams Scholarship Letters Available for November 2023 Retest Results
    4. Reminder: Results from the November Retest

  • January 3, 2024

    For All Schools
    1. Welcome Back and New DESE Address
    2. PAN Passwords and Accounts: Confirm Accounts at this Time
    3. MCAS Informational Webinars
    4. Upcoming MCAS Deadlines for the Spring 2024 MCAS Tests
    5. Upcoming Windows for the Student Registration/Personal Needs Profile
    6. MCAS Alternate Assessment (MCAS-Alt)
    7. ACCESS for ELLs

    For Grades 3–8
    1. Test Administration Training for Schools Participating in Grades 5 and 8 STE Pilot
    2. Reminder: Deadline for Changes to Civics Field Test Assignments: Thursday, January 4

    For High Schools
    1. Reminder: Results from the November Retest

2023

  • December 15, 2023

    For Middle Schools
    Spring 2024 MCAS Grade 8 Civics Field Test
    1. Deadline for Changes to Field Test Assignments: Thursday, January 4, 2024
    2. Resources, Training, and Other Information
    3. Next Steps

  • December 12, 2023

    For All Schools
    1. Holiday Hours for the MCAS Service Center
    2. MCAS Alternate Assessment (MCAS-Alt)
    3. ACCESS for ELLs
    4. Reminders from the Previous Update

    For Grades 3–8
    1. Reminder: Participation of Students with Disabilities and EL Students in the Civics Field Test

    For High Schools
    1. Results from the November Retest
    2. Student Registration for the February Science Administration Closes on December 15
    3. Reminder: Infrastructure Trial Window for the February Science Administration Now Open

  • November 28, 2023

    For All Schools
    1. MCAS Training Schedule
    2. Passwords for the MCAS Service Center Secure Website
    3. MCAS BYOD Participation: Notification Deadlines for Winter and Spring 2024
    4. ACCESS for ELLs
    5. Reminder: Intent to Seek a Waiver from the One-Percent Limit on Alternate Assessments

    For Grades 3–8
    1. Participation of Students with Disabilities and EL Students in the Civics Field Test

    For High Schools
    1. February Science Administration

  • November 14, 2023

    For All Schools
    1. Intent to Seek a Waiver from the One-Percent Limit on Alternate Assessments
    2. MCAS-Alt Participation Criteria "Office Hours" Training
    3. ACCESS for ELLs
    4. Reminders from the Previous Update

    For Grades 3–8
    1. New MCAS Grade 8 Civics In-Person Informational Session

    For High Schools
    1. Returning Paper-Based Testing (PBT) Materials from the November 2023 Retests
    2. Student Registration for the February Science Tests
    3. Reminder: Round 16 Modified CD Data in DropBox and Edwin Analytics

  • October 31, 2023

    For All Schools
    1. Steps to Retrieve Electronic Copies of MCAS
    2. Steps to Retrieve Students' MCAS Assessment History and CD Status in Edwin Analytics
    3. Reminder from the Previous Update

    For High Schools
    1. Reminders for Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the November Retests
    2. Round 16 Modified CD Data in DropBox and Edwin Analytics
    3. Reminder from the Previous Update

  • October 24, 2023, Special Edition

    Grade 8 Civics Field Test — Topic Assignments and Participation Requirements
    1. Topic Assignments for 2024 Civics Field Test
    2. Participation Requirements and Selection Guidance
    3. Additional Resources and Information

  • October 17, 2023

    For All Schools
    1. Resources for Computer-Based Testing
    2. WIDA Alternate ACCESS
    3. Reminders from the Previous Update

    For Grades 3–8
    1. Reminders from Previous Updates

    For High Schools
    1. Technology Preparations for November 2023
    2. Test Administration Resources for the November Retests Now Available
    3. Reminders from the Previous Update

  • October 3, 2023

    For All Schools
    1. Spring 2023 MCAS Parent/Guardian Reports Available
    2. Information about MCAS ELA Essay Scoring
    3. ACCESS for ELLs
    4. Reminders from the Previous Update

    For Grades 3–8
    1. Informational Webinar for the Pilot Grades 5 and 8 MCAS STE Tests
    2. Reminders from Previous Updates

    For High Schools
    1. PearsonAccess Next Passwords and Accounts: Confirm Accounts at This Time
    2. MCAS BYOD for the November Retests: Notify DESE by October 13
    3. Availability of TestNav; Requests to Test Outside Regular Hours
    4. John and Abigail Adams Scholarship Letters Available
    5. Reminders from the Previous Update

  • September 19, 2023

    For All Schools
    1. Release of 2023 MCAS Results
    2. Pre-Administration Guide for the 2023–24 MCAS Tests Now Available
    3. Technology Support Prior to Computer-Based Testing
    4. Updated Science and Technology/Engineering (STE) Instructional Guidelines
    5. Accessibility and Accommodations Manual and Training
    6. ACCESS for ELLs: Reporting EL Students Accurately in October SIMS
    7. MCAS-Alt Fall Training Sessions
    8. Reminders from the Previous Update

    For Grades 3–8
    1. Applications for the Science Performance Assessment Ambassador Training Now Being Accepted
    2. Reminder: Grade 8 Civics Informational Sessions

    For High Schools
    1. Infrastructure Trial Window for the November Retests Opens September 25
    2. MCAS Performance Appeals Training
    3. Reminders from the Previous Update

  • September 14, 2023, Special Edition

    For Grade 8
    MCAS Grade 8 Civics Informational Sessions

  • September 5, 2023

    For All Schools
    1. About This Update
    2. Testing Schedule
    3. Information for New Test Coordinators
    4. TestNav System Requirements and Updated App Available for 2023–24
    5. Office of Student Assessment Services Fax Discontinued

    For Grades 3–8
    1. Reminder: MCAS Program Updates Beginning in 2024

    For High Schools
    1. November Retest Administration
    2. Reminder of Updated MCAS Competency Determination (CD) Standard for Students in the Class of 2026 and Beyond

  • September 1, 2023

    News from DESE Student Assessment Services
    Two changes to the assessment program in 2023-2024

  • August 28, 2023, Special Edition

    For All Schools
    Applications for the 2024–2026 MCAS Assessment Development Committees and the MCAS Bias and Sensitivity Committee Are Now Being Accepted

  • August 10, 2023, Special Edition

    For All Schools
    2023 Assessment and Accountability Reporting Schedule Now Available

  • July 25, 2023, Special Edition

    For All Schools
    1. Preliminary MCAS Data Scheduled for Delivery on Tuesday, August 8
    2. MCAS Discrepancy Reporting Window: August 8–11
    3. Webinar on MCAS Discrepancy Reporting
    4. Updated Statewide Testing Schedule

  • July 19, 2023, Special Edition

    For Grades 3–8
    MCAS Program Updates Beginning in 2024
    1. Spring 2024 MCAS Grade 8 Civics Field Test
    2. Grades 5 and 8 Innovative Science Assessment

  • June 21, 2023

    For All Schools
    1. Spring 2023 Thank You and Planning Ahead
    2. MCAS Grades 3–8 ELA Released Essays Now Available in PAN
    3. ACCESS for ELLs
    4. Reminders from the Previous Update

    For High Schools
    1. MCAS Performance Appeals Deadline: June 23
    2. Reminders from the Previous Update

  • June 14, 2023, Special Edition

    For All Schools
    MCAS Machine-Scored Early Release Results Now Available in PAN

  • June 6, 2023

    For All Schools
    1. TestNav Requirements for 2023–24
    2. MCAS Discrepancy Reporting Window: August 8–11
    3. Updated Early Release Schedule for MCAS Data in PAN
    4. MCAS Alternate Assessment Results
    5. ACCESS for ELLs

    For High Schools
    1. Tasks to Complete after Testing for High School STE
    2. Preliminary Grade 10 ELA Data Available on June 22
    3. Round 14 Modified CD Data in DropBox and Edwin Analytics

  • May 24, 2023

    For All Schools
    1. Steps to Complete after Testing
    2. Preliminary 2023 MCAS-Alt Results Available Electronically on June 12
    3. ACCESS for ELLs
    4. Webinar on Using MCAS Early Release Data Files
    5. Reminder: MCAS ELA Grades 3–8 Early Release Data File Now Available

    For High Schools
    1. June High School STE Testing Reminders
    2. Availability of TestNav; Requests to Test Outside Regular Hours for June STE
    3. TestNav Translation Reference Sheets for the Spanish/English High School Biology and Introductory Physics Tests

  • May 10, 2023

    For All Schools
    1. MCAS Early Release Schedule
    2. Reminders from Previous Updates

    For High Schools
    1. Grade 10 Mathematics Testing: May 16 and 17
    2. TestNav Translation Reference Sheet for the Spanish/English Grade 10 Mathematics Test
    3. Reminders from Previous Updates

  • May 3, 2023, Special Edition

    For All Schools
    1. Initial Release of the 2023–24 MCAS and ACCESS for ELLs Testing Schedule

    For High Schools
    1. Grade 10 ELA Early Release MCAS Data Now Available
    2. Modified Competency Determination (CD) Round 14 Update

  • April 28, 2023

    For All Schools
    1. Resources and Support during Testing
    2. TestNav on Chromebooks: Check Managed Status and Update Blocklist URLs
    3. Reminders from Previous Updates

    For Grades 3–8
    1. Grades 3–8 ELA Testing Ends on April 28: Complete Steps after Testing

    For High Schools
    1. Results from the March 2023 Retest
    2. Reminder about the Updated CD Standard in Biology for Students in the Class of 2026
    3. Reminders from the Previous Update

  • April 12, 2023, Special Edition

    For High Schools
    1. Registration for the High School Science and Technology/Engineering Tests: April 14–May 2

  • April 11, 2023

    For All Schools
    1. Resources and Support during Testing
    2. Availability of TestNav during the Week of April 17
    3. Manuals Shipments
    4. Middle Names in PAN for Grades 3–8
    5. Clarification on Using the Speech-to-Text Accommodation
    6. MCAS-Alt Submission Follow-Up
    7. Reminders from the Previous Update

    For High Schools
    1. MCAS/EPP Mathematics Test for Spring 2023
    2. Updated MCAS Competency Determination (CD) Standard for Students in the Class of 2026 and Beyond
    3. Reminder about MCAS Scores and the Interim CD Standard for Students in the Class of 2025 and Earlier
    4. Reminder from the Previous Update: Results from the February 2023 STE Tests

  • March 29, 2023

    For All Schools
    1. Resources and Support during Testing
    2. Updating Operating Systems
    3. ACCESS for ELLs
    4. MCAS-Alt Reminder: Steps to Complete Before Submitting MCAS-Alt Portfolios by March 31

    For Middle Schools
    1. Final Reminder: Volunteer Schools Needed for Grade 8 Civics End-of-Course Pilot for Spring 2023

    For High Schools
    1. High School STE SR/PNP Window and Participation Guidelines
    2. Results from the February 2023 STE Tests
    3. Reminder: MCAS Portfolio Appeals Submission Deadline: March 31

  • March 14, 2023

    For All Schools
    1. PearsonAccess Next Training Video for Test Administrators
    2. Availability of TestNav; Requests to Test Outside Regular Hours
    3. ACCESS for ELLs Webinars
    4. MCAS-Alt: Steps to Complete before Submitting MCAS-Alt Portfolios
    5. Reminder: Technology Preparations for Spring 2023 Testing

    For Middle Schools
    1. Reminder: Spring 2023 Grade 8 Civics End-of-Course Pilot

    For High Schools
    1. MCAS Portfolio Appeals Submission Deadline: March 31
    2. Reminders from the Previous Update

Last Updated: March 27, 2024

 
Contact Us

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149

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TTY: (800) 439-2370

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