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News from DESE Student Assessment Services
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For All Schools
1. Reporting Webinar on Spring 2022 Grades 3–8 and 10 ELA MCAS Topics (Early Release Round 1: Machine-Scored Items)
Department staff will hold a reporting webinar on May 20 at 9:30–11:00 a.m. on the following topics. (Note that the webinar was previously listed on the DESE website as being scheduled for May 18; the webinar has been rescheduled for May 20.)
- Viewing the ELA test design
- Accessing the .CSV data file, student rosters, and item analysis templates
- Viewing statewide raw score results and conducting preliminary analysis of your school and/or district data
- Future release dates
A slide presentation will be provided to participants before the webinar, and there will be demonstrations and opportunities to ask questions. Registration is available at www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/training.html.
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2. Important Reminder for MCAS Accessibility and Accommodations
Speech-to-Text is NOT embedded for computer-based MCAS Mathematics tests. Many students with disabilities (and English Learners) have the accommodation for the use of a speech-to-text device on MCAS mathematics tests. However, as indicated on page 20 of the Accessibility and Accommodations Manual, “web extension for speech-to-text does not function on mathematics or Introductory Physics computer-based tests due to its incompatibility with the Equation Editor answer box used for open responses. Refer to the Guidelines for Using Assistive Technology as an MCAS Test Accommodation for a step-by-step guide to accessing and using this feature.” Students with this accommodation will need to use a secondary computer with the speech-to-text tool and have the responses transcribed or use an equivalent scribe accommodation, if acceptable to the student’s IEP Team.
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3. Reminders from the Previous Update
a. Disable Applications Prior to Testing on Student Devices
As a reminder, schools should disable all applications on student testing devices prior to MCAS testing in order to avoid error messages and disruptions during testing. Please see additional information in this technical bulletin from Pearson.
b. Spring 2022 MCAS Early Release Schedule Available
DESE announced the Round 1 and Round 2 early release schedule for spring 2022 MCAS data files for grades 3–8 and 10 ELA and Mathematics and grades 5 and 8 STE. To assist schools and districts in reviewing early release data, the Department will also provide Item Analysis Templates as the early release data become available. Please see the previous update for further information.
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For High Schools
1. Spanish/English Editions of the Biology and Introductory Physics Practice Tests Now Available
The Spanish/English editions of the Biology and Introductory Physics MCAS practice tests are now posted in the MCAS Resource Center for both CBT and PBT.
Beginning in June 2022, Spanish/English editions of the Biology and Introductory Physics tests will be available to eligible students. For more information about eligibility, refer to page 121 of the MCAS Principal’s Administration Manual. For additional information on accessibility and accommodations for June high school STE, refer to item 1b in the “For High Schools” section of the December 14, 2021 Student Assessment Update.
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2. Biology and Introductory Physics Instructional Guidelines
Minor revisions were made to the High School Biology Instructional Guidelines and the High School Introductory Physics Instructional Guidelines. The Instructional Guidelines include guidance for instruction and assessment of the standards in the Massachusetts STE Curriculum Framework. These guidelines align with assessment expectations for the High School STE MCAS tests, but should not be used as a sole curriculum guide.
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3. Reminder from the Previous Update: John and Abigail Adams Scholarship Letters for March 2022 Retest Results
High schools with students in the class of 2022 who participated in the March 2022 retest for scholarship purposes and qualified for a John and Abigail Adams Scholarship will soon be receiving a delivery of award letters for those students. The letter is important because students must provide a copy of it, along with their completed FAFSA application, to their college’s financial aid office each year in order to use the award. Please see the previous update for further information and a delivery schedule.
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MCAS Service Center
for logistical support, including tech support for PearsonAccess Next and TestNav
Email: mcas@cognia.org
Phone: 800-737-5103
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Student Assessment Services
for policy questions, including student participation
Email: mcas@doe.mass.edu
Phone: 781-338-3625
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