For Immediate Release
Wednesday, December 2, 1998
Contact:Jan O'Keefe Feldman

MCAS Brochure Being Distributed Throughout the State

Malden - Education Commissioner David P. Driscoll is working with dozens of major businesses and agencies to distribute a new informational brochure, "Test Yourself," in a continuing effort to keep parents, educators, students and the general public informed about the MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System). On Wednesday, December 9th, during the commuter rush hours 5:00-7:00 p.m., Massachusetts Turnpike Authority toll booth collectors will distribute 81,000 "Test Yourself" brochures to travelers stopping at every toll booth interchange from the New York border east through the Boston tunnels. Nearly one-quarter of a million "Test Yourself" brochures have been distributed. Businesses that are participating in the public information campaign include Barnes and Noble, Bell Atlantic, Bertucci's Brick Oven Pizzeria, Boston Private Industry Council, Star Market, Stop and Shop and US Trust. Additionally, public agencies including the Office of the Secretary of State, the Legislature, MBTA, Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, and schools and public libraries, are providing the booklets, as well. The brochure includes three sample questions that actually were asked of tenth grade students who took the test for the first time in the spring of 1998. All fourth, eighth and tenth grade public school students in Massachusetts took the test. The booklet also has helpful hints for parents and others to use to help children improve their test scores in the future. "The brochure invites parents and the public to read the MCAS questions. We are proud of this test and stand behind this program," said Commissioner Driscoll. The MCAS "Test Yourself" booklet can be seen on the Massachusetts Department of Education homepage at http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/, and is available at public schools and libraries.



Last Updated: December 2, 1998