MCAS 2.0 Testing Schedule and other Information!!

Dear Parents/Guardians,

This year our students will take part in a new version of state testing simply called MCAS 2.0.   These tests perform two important functions.  First, they provide parents, teachers, and students with valuable feedback on our students' progress.  The results of the exams also provide the community with an additional measure as to the overall performance of the school.  This test will include new types of questions specifically designed for MCAS 2.0 as well as other types of questions similar to those found on previous standardized tests.   Teachers and students are working hard to prepare for this latest round of computer-based exams.  The tests will be administered according to the following schedule:

April 6 & 7: Grade 7 ELA
April 26 & 27: Grade 6 and 8 ELA
May 9 & 10: Grade 8 Math
May 16 & 17 Grade 6 and 7 math
May 22 & 23 Grade 8 Science

Makeup exams for any absences will be administered as soon as possible.  ELA makeup exams must be completed by May 3rd. Math and Science makeup exams must be completed by May 26th.  

There are many resources available on the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's website:  

1. Test Design and Development
1. http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/tdd/
2. Math, ELA , and Science Graphic Organizers and Reference Sheets
1. http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/accessibility/organizers/
3. Digital Knowledge/Computer/iPad skills
1. http://www.doe.mass.edu/odl/planning/CBT.html  or as a pdf:
2. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_Souu29JcxicXo4UkI0WnBmaW8/view?usp=sharing
4. Accessibility and Accommodation Guidelines for Special Education
1. http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/accessibility/
5. MCAS Test questions and scoring guides from the last five years
1. http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/student/
6. PARCC Test questions, scoring guides, and other rubrics from the last two years
1. https://prc.parcconline.org/assessments/parcc-released-items?title=&field_subject_tid=&field_grade_level_unlimited_tid=All&field_released_item_type_tid=&field_release_year_value=

All of our current students must pass MCAS 2.0 in high school to graduate and receive a diploma. To best prepare students for this difficult challenge, I firmly believe that student participation on this exam in middle school is essential for success in high school.  Students will be better prepared for the high school exam if they have continuously and successfully prepared for the types of questions and the format used on these tests.  Additionally, teacher will have more information about their students' performance and will better be able to tailor instruction to the needs of the student.

Should you have any questions or concerns about MCAS 2.0, please do not hesitate to contact me or Mr. Kelley.

Sincerely, 

Tony Hrivnak

Principal