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.

2025

  • 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

  • May 13, 2025

    For All Schools
    1. Resources and Support during Testing
    2. MCAS Discrepancy Reporting Window August 6–11
    3. ACCESS for ELLs
    4. Feedback Requested on DESE Data Tools
    5. Reminders from Previous Updates
    For Grades 3–8
    1. Locked Sections in the Grades 5 and 8 STE and Grade 8 Civics Tests
    For High Schools
    1. Grade 10 Mathematics Testing May 20 and 21
    2. Reminder: Grade 10 ELA Machine Scored (V1) Results Available

  • April 29, 2025

    For All Schools
    1. Resources and Support during Testing
    2. Additional Guidance for Schools Using Chromebooks
    3. Text-to-Speech Accommodation for the MCAS Computer-Based Tests
    4. ACCESS for ELLs
    5. Reminders from Previous Updates
    Grades 5 & 8
    1. Grade 8 Civics MCAS Standard Setting Panel – Application Deadline Extended
    2. Reminders from Previous Updates
    For High Schools
    1. Grade 10 ELA Machine-Scored (V1) Results Available as of April 28
    2. Reminders from Previous Updates

  • April 18, 2025 Special Edition

    For Grades 3–8
    1. Internet Connectivity for Grades 5 and 8 Science and Technology/Engineering (STE) Tests

  • April 16, 2025 Special Edition

    For All Schools
    1. Updated Procedure in the MCAS Portal: Verify That All Students Are in "Finished" Status After Testing
    2. Update: Default Setting for Calculator in MCAS Mathematics Tests for Grades 7, 8 and 10
    3. Updating Operating Systems

  • April 8, 2025

    For All Schools
    1. Grades 3–8 ELA Testing Ends on April 18
    2. Update to the Test Administrator's Manual for Paper-Based Testing
    3. Instructions for Assigning the Spanish/English Test Editions in the MCAS Portal
    4. Instructions for Assigning the Human Read-Aloud and Text-to-Speech Accommodations
    5. Manuals Shipments
    6. Supports for English Learners Taking MCAS Tests
    7. ACCESS for ELLs: Check for Late Returns of ACCESS Test Materials
    8. Reminders from Previous Updates
    For Grades 3–8
    1. Grades 5 and 8 STE Practice Performance Tasks Now Available
    For High Schools
    1. High School Science Student Registration Window: April 11–29
    2. Updated Results from the February 2025 High School Science Tests
    3. Results from the March 2025 Retests

  • March 27, 2025 Special Edition

    For All Schools
    1. Resources and Support during Testing

  • March 25, 2025

    For All Schools
    1. Resources and Support during Testing
    2. Text-to-Speech Accommodation for the MCAS Computer-Based Tests
    3. Spanish-Language Approved Graphic Organizers and Supplemental Reference Sheets
    4. Initial Release of the 2025–26 Statewide Testing Schedule
    5. Reminders from Previous Updates
    For Grade 8
    1. Grade 8 Civics MCAS Standard Setting Panel-Application Deadline Extended
    For High Schools
    1. High School Science Student Registration Window and Participation Guidelines
    2. Reminder: Results from the February 2025 High Science Tests

  • March 20, 2025, Special Edition

    For All Schools
    1. Resources and Support During Testing
    2. Information for Technology Coordinators

  • March 12, 2025

    For All Schools
    1. Resources and Support for Computer Based Testing
    2. MCAS Student Kiosk iPad App Update for Speech-to-Text Only
    3. Availability of the MCAS Student Kiosk; Requests to Test Outside Regular Hours for Spring 2025
    4. Sample Files for Conducting Practice Tests in the MCAS Training Site
    5. 2025 Release Plan for MCAS Test Questions
    6. ACCESS for ELLs
    7. MCAS-Alt Submission Date Reminder
    8. Reminders from Previous Updates
    For High Schools
    1. Results from the February 2025 High School Science Tests

  • March 6, 2025, Special Edition

    For All Schools
    1. Access to PearsonAccess Next Ends on March 31, 2025

  • February 25, 2025

    For All Schools
    1. Technology Preparations for the March Retests and Spring 2025 Testing
    2. Resources and Support for Computer-Based Testing
    3. Reminders from Previous Updates
    For Grades 3–8
    1. Reminders from the Previous Update
    For High Schools
    1. March Retest Administration Dates
    2. Reminder: Updates Competency Determination (CD) Status File in DESE DropBox

  • February 12, 2025

    For All Schools
    1. Test Administration Manuals for 2025 Now Available
    2. Sample Slides for Training Test Administrators
    3. MCAS Resource Center Updates
    4. Upcoming MCAS Training Sessions
    5. Update to Student Logins
    6. Important Reminders for the 2025 MCAS Alternate Assessment (MCAS-Alt)
    7. ACCESS for ELLs: Extension of Testing Window
    8. Reminders from Previous Updates
    For Grade 8
    1. Civics Graphic Organizers for Students Using Accommodation A9
    2. Civics Accountability and FAQ
    3. Reminder: Invitation to apply for Grade 8 Civics MCAS Standard Setting Panel
    For High Schools
    1. Availability of the MCAS Student Kiosk; Requests to Test Outside Regular Hours for the March Retests
    2. Updated Competency Determination (CD) Status file in DropBox Central
    3. Reminder: CD Status on Parent/Guardian Reports for the MCAS November 2024 Retest

  • February 5, 2025, Special Edition

    For High Schools
    1. Competency Determination (CD) Status on Parent/Guardian Reports for the MCAS November 2024 Retest

  • February 4, 2025

    For All Schools
    1. Technology Preparations for Upcoming Administrations
    2. Test Administrator Tasks in the MCAS Portal
    3. MCAS Resource Center Updates
    4. Enrollment Transfers
    5. Spanish/English Tests Available in Grades 3–8 in 2025
    6. ACCESS for ELLs Test Administration
    7. Important Reminders for the MCAS Alternate Assessment (MCAS-Alt)
    8. Reminders from Previous Updates
    For Grades 3–8
    1. Invitation to Apply for Grade 8 Civics MCAS Standard Setting Panel
    2. Reminders from Previous Updates
    For High Schools
    1. Reminders from Previous Updates

  • January 29, 2025, Special Edition

    For High Schools
    1. Resources and Support for the February Science Administration
    2. Support During MCAS Testing
    3. Technology Preparations for the February Science Administration

  • January 23, 2025, Special Edition

    For Grades 3–8
    1. MCAS Grades 5 and 8 Science and Technology/ Engineering (STE) Transition to New Performance Tasks
    2. Grade 8 Civics Test: Reminders and Announcement of Summer 2025 Standard-Setting Meeting
    3. Anticipated MCAS Grades 3–8 English Language Arts (ELA) Test Design Changes in 2027

  • January 21, 2025

    For All Schools
    1. Upcoming Student Registration Windows
    2. MCAS Resource Center Updates – High School Science Practice Tests Now Available
    3. Participation in MCAS Testing in 2025
    4. Spanish/English Tests Available in Grades 3–8 in 2025
    5. 2025 ACCESS Test Administration
    6. MCAS-Alt Statement of Assurances Required by January 31, 2025
    7. Reminders from Previous Updates
    For High Schools
    1. February Science Administration
    2. Class of 2025 John and Abigail Adams Scholarship Letters
    3. Updated Reporting Schedule for the November 2024 Retest

  • January 16, 2025, Special Edition

    For All Schools
    1. Student Registration for March Retests and Spring Grades 3–8: January 21–31
    For High Schools
    1. Participation Guidelines for the March Retest

  • January 9, 2025

    For All Schools
    1. MCAS Test Administration Training Sessions
    2. MCAS Resource Center Updates
    3. Update to the MCAS Student Kiosk for Schools using MacOS
    4. Upcoming MCAS Deadlines for the Spring 2025 MCAS Tests
    5. Upcoming Windows for Student Registration
    6. 2025 ACCESS Test Administration
    7. Reminders from Previous Updates
    For High Schools
    1. Reminders from Previous Updates

2024

  • December 12, 2024, Special Edition

    For High Schools
    1. Student Registration for the February High School Science Administration

  • December 11, 2024, Special Edition Update on the Student Competency Determination

  • December 10, 2024

    For All Schools
    1. Schedule for Testing and Administration Deadlines
    2. Passwords for the MCAS Service Center Secure Website
    3. Accessibility and Accommodations Manual
    4. List of Student Tools, Accessibility Features, and Accommodations Unavailable for Site Readiness
    5. MCAS Alternate Assessment
    6. Reminders from Previous Updates
    For High Schools
    1. February Science Registration
    2. Results from the November Retest
    3. Reminder: MCAS February Science CBT Waiver Requests: Submit by December 11

  • November 25, 2024

    For All Schools
    1. MCAS Portal and MCAS Resource Center Updates
    2. MCAS BYOD Participation: Notification Deadlines for Winter and Spring 2025
    3. ACCESS for ELLs
    4. Reminders from the Previous Update
    For High Schools
    1. February Science Administration

  • November 14, 2024

    For All Schools
    1. ACCESS for ELLs Test Coordinator Training Webinars
    2. Intent to Seek a Waiver from the One-Percent Limit on Alternate Assessments
    3. MCAS-Alt Participation Tool Office Hours
    4. Reminders from Previous Updates
    For Grade 8
    1. Reminders from Previous Updates
    For High Schools
    1. Returning Paper-Based Testing (PBT) Materials from the November 2024 Retests
    2. Student Registration for the February Science Tests

  • November 6, 2024, Special Edition

  • October 30, 2024, Special Edition

    For Grade 8
    1. Operational MCAS Grade 8 Civics Test in Spring 2025
    2. Results and Released Items from the 2024 MCAS Civics Field Test
    3. New MCAS-Alt for Civics (Reminder from Sept. 4 Update)

  • October 29, 2024

    For All Schools
    1. MCAS Portal Training Sessions
    2. Retrieving Electronic Copies of MCAS Parent/Guardian Reports
    3. Retrieving Students' MCAS Assessment History and CD Status in Edwin Analytics
    4. Updated DropBox Central Interface
    5. Reminders from Previous Updates
    For High Schools
    1. November Retest Administration Dates
    2. Reminders for Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the November Retests

  • October 18, 2024

    For All Schools
    1. Pre-Administration Tasks for Fall 2024
    2. MCAS Portal User Accounts
    3. Installing the MCAS Student Kiosk on Student Devices
    4. New MCAS Resource Center Now Available
    5. Reminder: Upcoming Training Sessions

  • October 15, 2024

    For All Schools
    1. Upcoming Training Sessions
    2. Reminders from the Previous Update
    For High Schools
    1. Technology Preparations for November 2024
    2. Test Administration Resources for the November Retests Now Available
    3. MCAS Performance Appeals
    4. Reminders from the Previous Update

  • October 1, 2024

    For All Schools
    1. Release of 2024 MCAS Results
    2. ACCESS for ELLs
    3. Reminders from the Previous Update
    For High Schools
    1. Test Administration Manuals for November 2024 Retests Now Available
    2. PearsonAccess Next Passwords and Accounts: Confirm Accounts at This Time
    3. Availability of TestNav; Requests to Test Outside Regular Hours for the November Retests
    4. Reminder that Grade 10 ELA Released Essays from Spring 2024 MCAS Are Available in PAN 
    5. Class of 2025 John and Abigail Adams Scholarship Information Available Soon
    6. MCAS Performance Appeals
    7. Reminders from the Previous Update

  • September 17, 2024

    For All Schools
    1. Crosswalk of Terminology for New MCAS Systems
    2. Update School and District Profiles by September 23
    3. MCAS Alternate Assessment (MCAS-Alt) Fall Training Sessions
    4. ACCESS for ELLs
    5. Reminders from the Previous Update
    For Grades 3–8
    1. Grades 5 and 8 Science and Technology/Engineering (STE) Field Test
    2. Reminder: Operational Grade 8 MCAS Civics Test in Spring 2025
    For High Schools
    1. Recording and Slides of the November Retest Administration Training Now Available
    2. Infrastructure Trial Window for the November Retests Opens September 23
    3. November Retest Technology Support Prior to Computer-Based Testing
    4. Updated High School Science Instructional Guidelines 
    5. Reminders from Previous Updates

  • September 4, 2024

    For All Schools
    1. About this Update
    2. Testing Schedule
    3. New MCAS Contract and New Systems beginning in 2025
    4. 2024 Assessment and Accountability Reporting Schedule
    5. Information for New Test Coordinators
    6. ACCESS for ELLs
    7. Reminder: Accessibility and Accommodations Workgroup Invite
    For Grades 3–8
    1. Operational Grade 8 MCAS Civics Test in Spring 2025
    2. Reminder: Soliciting Input on Approved Graphic Organizers for the Grade 8 MCAS Civics Test
    For High Schools
    1. Reminder of Updated CD Standard for Students in the Classes of 2026–2030
    2. Reminders from the Previous Update: November Retests

  • August 27, 2024, Special Edition

    For High Schools
    1. About this Update
    2. Schedule for Testing and Administration Deadlines
    3. Student Registration Window: September 16–27
    4. TestNav System Requirements and Updated App Available
    5. Administration Training Session on September 9
    6. Infrastructure Trial Window: September 23–October 29
    7. Process to Request a Waiver from the MCAS CBT Expectation for November Retests: Submit by September 13
    8. MCAS BYOD Participation: Respond by October 4

  • July 30, 2024, Special Edition

    For All Schools
    1. MCAS Discrepancy Reporting Window: August 7–12
    2. Accessibility and Accommodations Workgroup Invite
    For Grade 8
    1. Soliciting Input on Approved Graphic Organizers for the Grade 8 MCAS Civics Test

Last Updated: July 11, 2025

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