2020/21 MCAS information

2020/21 MCAS information for parents

MCAS information for 2020/21

 

The state has announced that MCAS testing will go ahead as planned this academic year. In addition to regular testing in grades 7-10, an additional computer based testing session has been created specifically for students in Grade 11 who were unable to take MCAS this past year.

Further guidance as well as testing dates will be forthcoming from the state in relation to testing. This will be shared with you as we receive it.

 

Requirements for High School Graduation in Massachusetts

  • A pass in Grade 10 Math & ELA with scores demonstrating a competency determination for college and career readiness.
  • A pass in a Science/ Technology MCAS (Biology or Introduction to Physics)  with scores demonstrating a competency determination for college and career readiness. This is typically taken by Grade 9 in June.

 

COVID related changes

Science/ Technology

  • Students in Grades 10 and 11 who were unable to take their Science/ Technology MCAS during the academic year 2019/20 due to COVID will not be required to take this. Instead they will be awarded a Science/ Technology competency determination if they successfully completed a comparable science course before their date of graduation.Students in Grades 10 & 11 do not need to sit the Science/Technology MCAS if they have not already done so.

  • Students in Grade 9 will take ether Biology or Introduction to Physics in June of 2021

ELA and Math

  • Students in Grade 10 will take their MCAS in ELA and Math between March and May of 2021, as they normally would.
  • Students in Grade 11 will be invited to take their MCAS in ELA and Math between Jan 14 - Feb 7th 2021 and/or between March and May with Grade 10. If they do not pass, they will be provided with an opportunity to take these tests again in November of Grade 12.

 

Grade 11 Parents: Action required

  • Please complete this form by Monday November 16th indicating that you do/not wish your child to take the MCAS exam in January. I will assume that you would like to have your child take the MCAS in the spring with Grade 10 if I do not hear from you.
  • In addition, for parents/guardians who are interested in learning more about the tests themselves, DESE have put together a number of useful resources, here. 
  • John and Abigail Adams financial scholarships for Grade 9, 10 & 11 MCAS performance