DESE plans to field test performance tasks over two years, in spring 2025 and 2026, for both grades 5 and 8. The performance tasks will be embedded into the operational tests and administered statewide. The purpose of field testing is to evaluate tasks based on student performance. These tasks will not count towards a student's score.
The 2025 and 2026 operational tests will continue to have the same test designs as in previous years and the amount of time that students need to take the test is not expected to change.
Additional information about the field test is available on DESE's MCAS Grades 5 and 8 STE Field Test FAQs page.
Last Updated: March 28, 2025