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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@doe.mass.edu with any questions or comments.

2023

  • 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

  • February 28, 2023

    For All Schools
    1. Technology Preparations for the March Retests and Spring 2023 Testing
    2. Resources for Preparing for Computer-Based Testing
    3. MCAS-Alt
    4. Reminders from the Previous Update

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

    For High Schools
    1. Update: March Retest Return of PBT Materials
    2. Updated Deadline for Returning PBT Materials for Grade 10 ELA
    3. Round 13 Modified CD Data in DropBoxes and Edwin Analytics
    4. Reminders from the Previous Update

  • February 7, 2023

    For All Schools
    1. Recordings of MCAS Trainings Now Available and Upcoming Dates
    2. Technology Preparations for the March Retests and Spring 2023 Testing
    3. Resources for Preparing Students for Computer-Based Testing: Student Tutorial and Practice Tests
    4. MCAS-Alt March Review Sessions
    5. ACCESS for ELLs
    6. Reminders from the Previous Update

    For High Schools
    1. Availability of TestNav; Requests to Test Outside Regular Hours for the March Retests
    2. Updated Electronic Parent/Guardian Report Date for the November Retests
    3. John and Abigail Adams Scholarship Letters Available for November 2022 Retest Results
    4. Reminder: Modified CD Round 13 Update

  • January 25, 2023

    For All Schools
    1. Test Administration Manuals for Spring 2023
    2. New MCAS Service Center Chat Feature; Fax Discontinued
    3. Infrastructure Trial Windows for Spring Administrations
    4. Technology Support Prior to Computer-Based Testing
    5. Deadline to Provide Feedback on MCAS: January 27
    6. Alternate ACCESS for ELLs Field Test
    7. Reminders from the Previous Update

    For High Schools
    1. SR/PNP Windows for March 2023 Retests and Spring 2023 Grade 10 ELA and Math Open January 30
    2. Availability of TestNav; Requests to Test Outside Regular Hours for February Biology and Introductory Physics
    3. Sample Training Slides for February STE Now Available
    4. Modified Competency Determination (CD) Round 13 Update
    5. Reminder: No ASL Edition for February STE Tests

  • January 19, 2023, Special Edition

    For All Schools
    1. Provide Feedback on MCAS

    For Grades 3–8
    1. Spring 2023 MCAS SR/PNP Window for Grades 3–8 Opens January 23

  • January 12, 2023

    For All Schools
    1. Upcoming Windows for the Student Registration/Personal Needs Profile
    2. PAN Passwords and Accounts: Confirm Accounts at this Time
    3. Updates to the MCAS TestNav Tutorial and the Grades 5 and 8 STE Practice Tests
    4. MCAS Test Administration Training Sessions
    5. Access to the Security Portal
    6. ACCESS for ELLs
    7. Reminders from the Previous Update

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

    For High Schools
    1. Update: No ASL Edition for February Biology and Introductory Physics
    2. CD Status for High School Students in MCAS 2023 DropBoxes
    3. Reminder from the Previous Update: Results from the November Retest

2022

  • December 14, 2022

    For All Schools
    1. Process to Request a Waiver from the MCAS CBT Expectation
    2. Holiday Hours for the MCAS Service Center
    3. MCAS Alternate Assessment (MCAS-Alt)
    4. ACCESS for ELLs
    5. Reminders from the Previous Update

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

    For High Schools
    1. Results from the November Retest
    2. Reminders from the Previous Update

  • December 1, 2022

    For All Schools
    1. 2022–23 Statewide Testing Schedule and Administration Deadlines
    2. Passwords for the MCAS Service Center Secure Website
    3. MCAS BYOD Participation: Notification Deadlines for Winter and Spring 2023
    4. Intent to Seek a Waiver from the One-Percent Limit on Alternate Assessments
    5. ACCESS for ELLs
    6. Reminder from the Previous Update: MCAS Test Administration Training Sessions

    For High Schools
    1. Student Registration for the February Biology and Introductory Physics Tests: Window Opens on December 5
    2. Infrastructure Trial Window for the February Biology and Introductory Physics Administration Opens on December 12
    3. Reminder from the Previous Update: Round 12 Modified CD Data in DropBoxes and Edwin Analytics
    4. Reminder: November Retest Results

  • November 16, 2022

    For All Schools
    1. MCAS Test Administration Training Sessions for Spring 2023
    2. ACCESS for ELLs Test Coordinator Training Webinars
    3. Reminder from the Previous Update: Steps to Retrieve Students' MCAS Assessment History and CD Status in Edwin Analytics

    For High Schools
    1. Returning Paper-based Testing (PBT) Materials from the November 2022 Retests
    2. Round 12 Modified CD Data in DropBoxes and Edwin Analytics
    3. Reminder from the Previous Update: MCAS Performance Appeals

  • November 2, 2022

    For All Schools
    1. Steps to Retrieve Students' MCAS Assessment History and CD Status in Edwin Analytics
    2. Reminders from the Previous Updates

    For High Schools
    1. Reminders for Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the November Retests
    2. MCAS Performance Appeals — Important Dates
    3. Reminders from the Previous Update

Last Updated: November 15, 2023

 
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