Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System

Recommended Testing Times for the Spring 2020 MCAS Tests

MCAS test sessions will remain untimed in spring 2020. The Department is providing recommended times for scheduling test sessions based on an analysis of student testing time from the MCAS computer-based testing in 2019. These recommendations reflect the average testing times for students. The Department will continue to review testing time used by students during computer-based testing and may make additional adjustments in the future.

It is important for all testing to occur during regular school days and to begin at the start of the regular school day. This ensures equivalent testing conditions in schools across the state and ensures that all students, including students with disabilities and EL students, are afforded an equal opportunity to benefit from untimed tests.

Schools are encouraged to add in additional time for set-up and for test administrators to read the scripts in their Test Administrator's Manual to students.

We are pleased to announce a reduction in expected ELA testing times based on the new test design. Schools should also note that the recommended testing times for STE in grades 5 and 8 are less than in 2019. This was based on the Department's analysis of the testing time students used.

Note that there are two sessions for each subject area test.