The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education
Student Assessment Updates
At this month's meeting of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, I will provide several updates on our student assessment program:
Next-generation MCAS tests and standard setting for grade 10 English language arts and mathematics
First, I will share information about the next-generation grade 10 MCAS tests in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics-which will be given for the first time this spring-with a focus on the standard setting that will take place in August 2019.
The standard setting for the grade 10 tests will be similar to the standard setting that took place in the summer of 2017 for the grades 3–8 tests, which I described to you at the May 2017 meeting. We will convene panels of expert educators who will review test items and student responses, make judgments about student performance through a facilitated process, and ultimately make recommendations to me regarding the appropriate cut scores corresponding to each level of achievement.
For students in the classes of 2021 and 2022 (sophomores and freshmen in spring 2019), the Board previously decided that the next-generation passing threshold will remain at a level equivalent to the passing threshold on the legacy MCAS. To implement this policy, the standard setting for grade 10 will include an additional step during which the educators will review and verify the statistical linking between the legacy and next-generation tests.
Next-generation MCAS achievement level descriptors for grade 10 ELA and mathematics, and science and technology/engineering (vote)
In March 2017, the Board adopted next-generation MCAS achievement levels and associated descriptors for the grades 3-8 English language arts and mathematics tests (Exceeding Expectations, Meeting Expectations, Partially Meeting Expectations, and Not Meeting Expectations). As part of the preparation for grade 10 standard setting, I am recommending that the Board vote to extend these achievement levels to the grade 10 tests and to the science and technology/engineering tests in grades 5, 8, and high school. These next-generation MCAS achievement levels and their associated descriptors were developed in consultation with educators in the field, and we have not experienced any significant issues with their use for ELA and mathematics in grades 3-8. There are obvious benefits to using consistent terminology for the remainder of our tests. A motion is attached for your consideration.
Planning for the Competency Determination for the classes of 2023 and beyond
The Board voted in February 2018 to establish an interim standard for the Competency Determination (CD) for students in the classes of 2021 and 2022, because the class of 2021 is participating in the first administration of the next-generation grade 10 MCAS tests this spring. The interim passing standard for these two graduating classes is a similar level of achievement to the previously required standard in the legacy MCAS tests. The Board's February 2018 decision ensures fairness for students during this transitional period and allows the Board to consider the next-generation test results before setting a new CD standard for the classes of 2023 and beyond. At the March 26 meeting, we will discuss the proposed process and potential timeline for establishing the CD standard for students in the classes of 2023 and beyond.
Deputy Commissioner Jeff Wulfson, Associate Commissioner Michol Stapel, and Chief MCAS Analyst Bob Lee will join us for the discussion to answer any questions you may have.
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