The approved graphic organizers, checklists, and supplemental reference sheets listed in the table below are for use by students with disabilities who have this MCAS accommodation (A9 from the Accessibility and Accommodations Manual) listed in their IEPs or 504 plans. The Department encourages schools to familiarize students with these tools, since students should be comfortable using their graphic organizer or reference sheet during MCAS testing.
Only the approved ELA organizers that include text and supplemental mathematics reference sheets listed below may be used for ELA and Mathematics MCAS testing and text or graphics may not be added. It is permissible to remove selected text or graphics. For some grades, there are multiple organizers that are approved that can be used for students with disabilities. The selection of each option is based upon student's need and which organizer the student is most familiar with.
The sample Science and Technology/Engineering (STE) reference sheets listed below may be used as is or may be used with selected text and graphics removed. Schools must submit a completed Customized References Request Cover Sheet for approval for students to use additional references, text, or graphics. Requests should be no longer than 3 pages.
To request a different file format, please email mcas@mass.gov .
Approved ELA Graphic Organizers
MCAS Grades 3 and 4: Constructed Response
MCAS Grades 3–4: Essay
MCAS Grades 3–4: Story
MCAS Grades 5: Essay
MCAS Grades 5: Narrative
MCAS Grades 6–8: Essay (option 1)
MCAS Grades 6–8: Essay (option 2)
MCAS Grades 6–8: Narrative (option 1)
MCAS Grades 6–8: Narrative (option 2)
MCAS Grade 10: Essay (option 1)
MCAS Grade 10: Essay (option 2)
MCAS Grade 10: Narrative (option 1)
MCAS Grade 10: Narrative (option 2)
Approved Civics Graphic Organizer
Grade 8 Civics | Grade 8 Civics (Spanish)
Approved Supplemental Mathematics Reference Sheets
MCAS Grade 3 | MCAS Grade 3 (Spanish)
MCAS Grade 4 | MCAS Grade 4 (Spanish)
MCAS Grade 5 | MCAS Grade 5 (Spanish)
MCAS Grade 6 | MCAS Grade 6 (Spanish)
MCAS Grade 7 | MCAS Grade 7 (Spanish)
MCAS Grade 8 | MCAS Grade 8 (Spanish)
MCAS Grade 10 | MCAS Grade 10 (Spanish)
Sample STE Reference Sheets
Customized References Request Cover Sheet
MCAS High School Biology | MCAS High School Biology (Spanish)
MCAS High School Introductory Physics | MCAS High School Introductory Physics (Spanish)
Note: If you have a problem printing a graphic organizer or reference sheet, please call Student Assessment at 781-338-3625.
Last Updated: March 4, 2025