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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

  • 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

  • October 19, 2022

    For All Schools
    1. Resources for Computer-Based Testing
    2. Reminder from the Previous Update: Spring 2022 Parent/Guardian Reports and Translations Now Available

    For High Schools
    1. Manuals and Training Slides for the November Retests Now Available
    2. Technology Preparations for November 2022
    3. John and Abigail Adams Scholarship Letters
    4. Reminders from the Previous Update

  • October 4, 2022

    For All Schools
    1. Spring 2022 MCAS Parent/Guardian Reports Available
    2. Reminder that ELA Released Essays from Spring 2022 MCAS are available in PearsonAccess Next
    3. ACCESS for ELLs: WIDA AMS Central Office Service Device (COS-SD) Update
    4. Reminders from the Previous Update

    For High Schools
    1. November Retest Participation Guidelines
    2. PearsonAccess Next Passwords and Accounts: Confirm Accounts at This Time
    3. Availability of TestNav; Requests to Test Outside Regular Hours
    4. Reminders from the Previous Update

  • September 22, 2022

    For All Schools
    1. New Pre-Administration Guide for the 2022–23 MCAS Tests
    2. ACCESS for ELLs
    3. Reminders from the Previous Update

    For Grades 3–8
    1. Reminder: Updated STE Instructional Guidelines for Grades 6–8

    For High Schools
    1. MCAS BYOD for the November Retests: Notify DESE by October 14
    2. Technology Support Prior to Computer-Based Testing
    3. MCAS Performance Appeals Trainings
    4. MCAS Interim CD Standard for the Classes of 2023–2025
    5. Reminders from the Previous Update

  • September 9, 2022

    For All Schools
    1. About This Update
    2. Information for New Test Coordinators
    3. TestNav System Requirements and Updated App Available for 2022–2023
    4. MCAS Training: Introduction to MCAS Computer-Based Testing
    5. MCAS-Alt Fall Training Sessions
    6. Reminder: Release of Embargoed Spring 2022 MCAS Results

    For Grades 3–8
    1. Updated STE Instructional Guidelines for Grades 6–8

    For High Schools
    1. Registration for the November Retests: Window Opens on September 19
    2. MCAS Training Session for the November 2022 Retests
    3. Infrastructure Trial Window for the November Retest Administration Opens on September 26
    4. Process to Request a Waiver from the MCAS CBT Expectation for November Retests: Submit by September 21
    5. Spring 2023 MCAS Chemistry and Technology/Engineering Tests Available Only for Class of 2025 and Earlier

  • September 1, 2022

    For All Schools
    1. Release of Embargoed Spring 2022 MCAS Results

  • August 24, 2022

    For All Schools
    1. Status Update on the Spring 2022 MCAS Results

    For High Schools
    1. Round 11 Modified CD Data in DropBoxes and Edwin Analytics

  • August 8, 2022

    For All Schools
    1. MCAS Discrepancy Reporting Window: August 9–12

  • July 14, 2022

    For All Schools
    1. Preliminary MCAS Data Scheduled for Delivery on Tuesday, August 9
    2. MCAS Discrepancy Reporting Window: August 9–12
    3. Reminder: Additional Early Release Data Now Available

  • June 21, 2022

    For All Schools
    1. Spring 2022 Thank You and Planning Ahead
    2. MCAS Discrepancy Reporting Window: August 9–12 (tentative)
    3. Additional Spring 2022 MCAS Early Release Data Available Soon
    4. Reminders from the Previous Update

    For High Schools
    1. Reminders from the Previous Update

  • June 7, 2022

    For All Schools
    1. TestNav Requirements for 2022–23
    2. Completing the PCPA
    3. Released Items from Spring 2022 ELA Tests
    4. Students Who Are Absent from MCAS Testing Due to Covid or Quarantine
    5. Wrong Name and SASID Reported in Early Release Data
    6. Second Webinar on Spring 2022 Reporting
    7. MCAS Alternate Assessment Results
    8. Reminders from the Previous Update

    For Grades 3–8
    1. Grade 8 Civics Assessment Administration Survey

    For High Schools
    1. Steps to Complete During and After High School STE Testing
    2. Grade 10 ELA Released Essays from Spring 2022 MCAS now Available in PearsonAccess Next
    3. CD Status for High School Students in MCAS 2022 DropBoxes
    4. Reminders from the Previous Update

  • May 24, 2022

    For All Schools
    1. Clarification of First-Year EL Student Participation in MCAS
    2. Steps to Complete after Testing
    3. ACCESS for ELLs Test Results and Score Reports
    4. Reminder from the Previous Update: Important Reminder for MCAS Accessibility and Accommodations

    For High Schools
    1. Round 10 Modified CD Data in DropBoxes and Edwin Analytics
    2. CD Status for High School Students in MCAS 2022 DropBoxes
    3. Reminders from the Previous Update

  • May 17, 2022, Special Edition — Reporting Updates

    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

Last Updated: January 19, 2023

 
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