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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.

2022

  • May 17, 2022

    For All Schools
    1. Reminder: Reporting Webinar on Spring 2022 Grades 3–8 and 10 ELA MCAS Topics
    2. Updated Early Release Schedule for Spring 2022 MCAS

  • May 10, 2022

    For All Schools
    1. Reporting Webinar on Spring 2022 Grades 3–8 and 10 ELA MCAS Topics (Early Release Round 1: Machine-Scored Items)
    2. Important Reminder for MCAS Accessibility and Accommodations
    3. Reminders from the Previous Update

    For High Schools
    1. Spanish/English Editions of the Biology and Introductory Physics Practice Tests Now Available
    2. Biology and Introductory Physics Instructional Guidelines
    3. Reminder from the Previous Update: John and Abigail Adams Scholarship Letters for March 2022 Retest Results

  • April 26, 2022

    For All Schools
    1. Disable Applications Prior to Testing on Student Devices
    2. Resources and Support during Testing
    3. Reminder to Verify Accommodations Prior to Testing
    4. Spring 2022 MCAS Early Release Schedule Available
    5. Reminder from the Previous Update: Manuals Shipments

    For Grades 3–8
    1. Grades 3–8 ELA Testing Ends on April 29: Complete Steps after Testing

    For High Schools
    1. John and Abigail Adams Scholarship Letters for March 2022 Test Results

  • April 12, 2022

    For All Schools
    1. Resources and Support during Testing
    2. Availability of TestNav during the Week of April 18
    3. Manuals Shipments
    4. Early Reporting and Discrepancy Reporting Schedules
    5. Reminders from the Previous Update

    For High Schools
    1. MCAS/EPP Mathematics Test for Spring 2022
    2. Results from the March Retest
    3. Results from the February Biology Test: Updated Schedule
    4. Reminder about MCAS Scores and the Interim CD Standard
    5. Reminders from the Previous Update

  • April 4, 2022

    For High Schools
    Registration for the High School Science and Technology/Engineering Tests: April 4–15
    1. Eligibility and Participation Guidelines
    2. Test Formats
    3. Accessibility and Accommodations
    4. File in DropBoxes
    5. Steps to Take in the SR/PNP
    6. Resources

  • March 29, 2022

    For All Schools
    1. Resources and Support during Testing
    2. Early Return Deadline for Paper-based Testing (PBT) for Grades 3–8 ELA, Grade 10 Mathematics, and High School STE
    3. Updating Operating Systems
    4. "Web Extension" Compatibility with iPads for Students with Accommodations
    5. ACCESS for ELLs Pre-Reporting Data Validation: April 11–19, 2022
    6. Reminders from the Previous Update
    7. Special Shout-Out to Students

    For High Schools
    1. High School STE SR/PNP Window and Participation Guidelines
    2. Desmos Calculator Update on the Introductory Physics Computer-Based Test
    3. Translations of MCAS Parent/Guardian Reports from the November Retests
    4. Reminder from the Previous Update: MCAS Portfolio Appeals Submission Deadline: April 1

  • March 15, 2022

    For All Schools
    1. Update to PearsonAccess Next (PAN): Dashboards Feature
    2. Update on Returning Materials for Paper-Based Testing (PBT)
    3. Steps to Complete Before Submitting MCAS-Alt Portfolios
    4. Reminder from the Previous Update: Updates to Operating Systems

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

  • March 1, 2022

    For All Schools
    1. Registration and Survey for March Trainings
    2. Updates to Operating Systems
    3. ACCESS for ELLs: Return Test Materials by March 8
    4. MCAS-Alt Submission Materials
    5. Reminders from the Previous Update

    For High Schools
    1. Update on Returning March Retest PBT Materials
    2. Round 9 Modified CD Data in DropBoxes and Edwin Analytics
    3. Reminder for Schools Administering the March Retest for CD Purposes
    4. Results from the February Biology Test
    5. Delivery of November Retest Parent/Guardian Reports Delayed
    6. Reminders from the Previous Update

  • February 15, 2022

    For All Schools
    1. Technology Preparations for the March Retests and Spring 2022 Testing
    2. Resources for Preparing for Computer-Based Testing
    3. Initial Release of the 2022–23 MCAS and ACCESS for ELLs Testing Schedule
    4. Reminders from the Previous Update

    For Grades 3–8
    1. Updated Grades 3–5 Science and Technology/Engineering (STE) Instructional Guidelines

    For High Schools
    1. Availability of TestNav; Requests to Test outside Regular Hours for March Retests
    2. Update to the Adams Scholarship for the Class of 2024
    3. Phasing Out the MCAS Chemistry and Technology/Engineering Tests
    4. Biology and Introductory Physics MCAS Standard Setting Panels
    5. Reminder from the Previous Update: John and Abigail Adams Scholarship Letters Available for November 2021 Retest Results

  • February 3, 2022

    For High Schools
    Invitation to Apply for High School Biology and Introductory Physics MCAS Standard Setting

  • February 1, 2022

    For All Schools
    1. MCAS Trainings
    2. Test Administration Manuals for Spring 2022
    3. ACCESS for ELLs
    4. MCAS-Alt March Portfolios-in-Progress (PIP) Review Sessions
    5. Reminders from the Previous Update

    For Grades 3–8
    1. Grade 8 Civics Assessment Pilot and Practice Test

    For High Schools
    1. Returning February Biology Materials – Minor Update
    2. John and Abigail Adams Scholarship Letters Available for November 2021 Retest Results
    3. Reminders from the Previous Update

  • January 19, 2022

    For All Schools
    1. Spring 2022 MCAS SR/PNP Window Opens January 24
    2. Infrastructure Trial Windows
    3. Technology Support Prior to Computer-Based Testing
    4. Cybersecurity Information
    5. Reminders from the Previous Update

    For Grades 3–8
    1. Grade 8 Civics Practice Tests Now Available

    For High Schools
    1. Final Opportunity for Grade 12 Students to Participate in MCAS Tests for Scholarship Purposes

  • January 12, 2022

    For High Schools
    March Retest SR/PNP Registration Process

  • January 10, 2022

    For Middle Schools
    Invitation to Participate in Voluntary Grade 8 Civics Pilot Assessment

  • January 7, 2022

    For All Schools
    Extended ACCESS for ELLs Schedule

  • January 4, 2022

    For All Schools
    1. PAN Passwords and Accounts: Confirm Accounts at this Time
    2. ACCESS for ELLs
    3. Reminders from the Previous Update

    For Grades 3–8
    1. Reminder: Volunteer Schools Needed for Grade 8 Civics Assessment Pilot this Spring

    For High Schools
    1. March Retest SR/PNP Window: January 18–31
    2. Reminders from the Previous Update

2021

  • December 14, 2021

    For All Schools
    1. MCAS Test Administration Training Sessions
    2. MCAS-Alt Registration: January 3–14, 2022
    3. ACCESS for ELLs Reminders
    4. Reminders from the Previous Update

    For Grades 3–8
    1. Volunteer Schools Needed for Grade 8 Civics Assessment Pilot this Spring

    For High Schools
    1. Information about the February 2022 Biology Test
    2. Round 8 Modified CD Data in DropBoxes and Edwin Analytics
    3. Results from the November Retests

  • November 30, 2021

    For All Schools
    1. Passwords for the MCAS Service Center Secure Website
    2. Process to Request a Waiver from the MCAS CBT Expectation: Submit by January 14
    3. MCAS BYOD Participation: Notification Deadlines for Spring 2022
    4. Edwin Analytics "Office Hours" Webinars to Resume
    5. MCAS-Alt January Portfolios-in-Progress (PIP) Review Sessions
    6. ACCESS for ELLs
    7. Holiday Hours for the MCAS Service Center
    8. Reminder from the Previous Update: Intent to Seek a Waiver to the One Percent Limit on Alternate Assessments

    For High Schools
    1. Registration for the February Biology Test: December 6–17

  • November 16, 2021

    For All Schools
    1. Intent to Seek a Waiver to the One Percent Limit on Alternate Assessments
    2. Reminders from the Previous Update

    For High Schools
    1. Returning PBT Materials from the November 2021 Retests
    2. Reminders from the Previous Update

  • November 15, 2021, Special Edition

    • Reminders for Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the Next-Generation MCAS Retests

  • November 2, 2021

    For All Schools
    1. MCAS Test Administration Training Sessions for Spring 2022
    2. Educators Sought for Assessment Development Committees
    3. ACCESS for ELLs WIDA Screener for Kindergarten: Field Study for Second-Semester Kindergarten and First-Semester Grade 1 Students

    For High Schools
    1. Nonscorable Compositions for the ELA Legacy Retest
    2. Next-Generation STE Tests will be Offered in American Sign Language and Spanish in June 2022
    3. MCAS Performance Appeals — Important Dates
    4. Reminders from the Previous Update

  • October 25, 2021

    • Update on Eligibility Guidelines for November 2021 Retests for Scholarships and the Seal of Biliteracy

  • October 19, 2021

    For All Schools
    1. 2021–2022 Statewide Testing Schedule and Administration Deadlines
    2. Translations of MCAS Parent/Guardian Reports and Letters to Parents/Guardians
    3. Reminders from the Previous Update

    For High Schools
    1. Manuals for November Retests Now Available
    2. Update on Eligibility Guidelines for the November 2021 MCAS Retests for Adams Scholarship
    3. MCAS Interim Passing Standard for CD Extended
    4. Technology Preparations for Next-Generation November 2021 Retests
    5. Reminders from the Previous Update

  • October 5, 2021

    For All Schools
    1. Parent/Guardian Reports Delivered to Districts and Now Available in PearsonAccess Next
    2. Updates to TestNav and PAN
    3. Extending Application Deadline for MCAS Assessment Development Committees and the MCAS Bias and Sensitivity Committee—Now Due Friday, October 8
    4. ACCESS for ELLs
    5. Reminders from the Previous Update

    For High Schools
    1. Modified CD Data for Round 7 Available for the Classes of 2020 and 2021 in DropBoxes
    2. High School Science MCAS Update
    3. PearsonAccess Next Passwords and Accounts: Confirm Accounts at This Time
    4. Availability of TestNav; Requests to Test Outside Regular Hours
    5. John and Abigail Adams Scholarship Letters
    6. New Operational Report: Students with Multiple Tests of the Same Subject Area
    7. Reminders from the Previous Update

  • September 22, 2021

    For All Schools
    1. MCAS Retest Design Updates
    2. Math and STE Equation Editor
    3. Now Accepting Applications for MCAS Assessment Development Committees and the MCAS Bias and Sensitivity Committee—Due Date September 30
    4. MCAS English Language Arts Released Essays Available
    5. ACCESS for ELLs
    6. Reminders from the Previous Update

    For High Schools
    1. November 2021 Retest Testing Schedule
    2. MCAS BYOD Participation: Notify DESE by Friday, October 15
    3. Technology Support Prior to Computer-Based Testing
    4. Reminders from the Previous Update

  • September 15, 2021

    1. Official Embargoed MCAS Data Files Available Wednesday, September 15; Edwin Reports Available Friday, September 17
    2. MCAS 2021 Reporting Information Sessions on September 17

  • September 7, 2021

    1. About This Update
    2. Information for New Test Coordinators
    3. Official Embargoed MCAS Data Files Available Wednesday, September 15; Edwin Reports Available Friday, September 17
    4. Parent/Guardian Report Delivered to Districts and Available in PAN on Thursday, September 30
    5. View New Edwin Analytics Interface: Webinar with Q & A September 16
    6. TestNav System Requirements and Updated App Available for 2021–22
    7. Accessibility and Accommodations Resources Now Available
    8. Grade-Level and Competency Portfolios
    9. MCAS Alternate Assessment Results

    For High Schools
    1. Process to Request a Waiver from the MCAS CBT Expectation for November Retests: Submit by September 20
    2. MCAS Performance Appeals
    3. Reminders from the Previous Update: Information on the November Retests

  • September 1, 2021, Special Edition

    1. Registration for the November Retests: Window Opens on September 20
    2. Participation Guidelines for the November 2021 MCAS Retests in ELA and Mathematics
    3. Infrastructure Trial Window for the Next-Generation November Retest Administration Opens Monday, September 27
    4. MCAS Training Sessions for the November 2021 Retests

  • August 19, 2021, Special Edition

    1. Full Preliminary MCAS Data Files Available Thursday, August 19

  • August 9, 2021, Special Edition

    1. Initial Release of the 2021–2022 MCAS and ACCESS for ELLs Testing Schedule
    2. Partial Preliminary MCAS Data Files Available by Tuesday, August 10
    3. MCAS Discrepancy Reporting Window: August 10–13
    4. Reporting Schedule Update
    5. English Language Arts Released Student Essays Available

  • July 6, 2021, Special Edition

  • July 2, 2021, Special Edition

  • June 16, 2021

  • June 15, 2021, Special Edition

  • June 8, 2021

  • June 7, 2021, Special Edition

  • June 3, 2021, Special Edition

  • May 26, 2021

  • May 17, 2021, Special Edition for Grades 3–8

  • May 12, 2021

  • May 7, 2021, Special Edition

  • May 4, 2021

  • April 28, 2021

  • April 13, 2021

  • April 9, 2021

  • March 23, 2021

  • March 10, 2021

  • March 5, 2021

  • March 2, 2021, Special Edition

  • February 23, 2021

  • February 11, 2021

  • February 2, 2021

  • January 25, 2021

  • January 20, 2021

  • January 19, 2021

Last Updated: May 18, 2022

 
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