MCAS Testing Roundup: What Parents and Students Need to Know

It’s that time of year again for students at.

The MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System) will be administered to the third, fourth, and fifth-graders starting March 22. All students are required to take the test.

The test is designed to measure the performance of public school students throughout the state. Teachers use test results to better plan their curriculum and identify what they need to be working on in the classroom.

The scores also reflect the overall performance of individual schools and entire districts, as well as pinpointing what schools may be doing right or wrong.   

The test itself consists of multiple choice, short-answer, and open response questions in the subjects of math, English/language arts, and science. Students are encouraged to be as detailed in their answers and show as much work as possible; vague answers, or answers where the student does not show work, will be graded lower than those that do.

Yes, all of this may sound quite intimidating to students and especially parents. However, Martin Principal Kevin Madden assures parents that this is not something to be too worked up about. 

“We’ve been preparing students for the MCAS since October. The kids have taken a few practice tests, they’ve been through it and they know what it’s like. Teachers will make the whole process as comfortable as possible for the students,” says Madden.

Students will have plenty of time to complete the test. The average test time is 45 to 60 minutes, but students will be allowed to work up until the end of the school day if they need the extra time. 

The testing atmosphere is not as rigid as, say, the dreaded SATs or similar standardized tests. Students are allowed to leave the classroom to get a drink of water or use the restroom, and teachers will often have the students take a break so that they don’t get too fatigued.

Madden emphasized that a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast are the best things that a child can do to prepare. But there are things parents can do if their kids are feeling anxious.

“My biggest suggestion to parents is to have fun with your kids the night before… play some board games, do something active, watch your favorite movie,” says Madden. “This helps the kids loosen up so they aren’t thinking too much about the test. Students who are relaxed will do best.”

For more information on the MCAS, including sample tests, please visit http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/

Key Points:

• All students must take the test (the only exceptions are students who have arrived from another country within the last year).
• A student will not be held back a grade if they do not pass.
• Students are allowed to leave the room during testing.
• If a student is absent, they will be allowed to make up the test within the deadline.
• Students are encouraged to be as detailed as possible in their answers.

Testing Dates:

Grades 3 – 5

• English/Language Arts:  March 22 – April 4
• Math:  May 10 – May 24

Grade 4

• Long Composition:  March 22

Grade 5

• Science:  May 10– May 24