Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System

Training Opportunities

Below is a list of current training opportunities offered by the Office of Student Assessment Services. Register for a session by clicking the link in the "Training Dates/Times and Registration Links" column below. Recordings of MCAS training sessions will be posted in the MCAS Resource Center approximately one week after the session date.

Sessions and Topics to be Covered	Training Dates/Times Registration Links	Intended Audience	Intended Level of Experience	Recommended Read-Ahead Materials
In-Person MCAS-Alt Review sessions Bring your students' in-progress assessment and a tablet or laptop (Limited outlets available for charging) to receive feedback and discuss your students' evidence Share ideas for collecting high-quality evidence and data Use this session to organize and assemble your students' portfolios	Tuesday, January 14 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Taunton Conference Center 700 Myles Standish Blvd Taunton, MA 02780 (Space limited to 250 per session) or Wednesday, January 15 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Springfield Marriott Downtown 2 Boland Way Springfield, MA 01115 (Space limited to 250 per session) or Thursday, January 16 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Courtyard by Marriott Boston Marlborough 75 Felton St Marlborough, MA 01752 (Space limited to 225 per session)	Educators that actively administering the MCAS-Alt to one or more students	All levels	2025 Educator's Manual for MCAS- Alt Resource Guides English Language Arts and Literacy (PreK–Grade 12) Mathematics (PreK–Grade 12) Science and Technology/Engineering (STE) Civics (Grade 8 only)
Overview of Student Registration for the Spring MCAS Tests	Thursday, January 16 at 9:30–11:00 a.m.	Principals and school test coordinators, district test coordinators	All levels	MCAS Student Registration Guide
MCAS Accessibility and Accommodations	Tuesday, January 21 at 9:30–11:00 a.m. and Wednesday, January 22 at 1:00–2:30 p.m.	Principals and school test coordinators, district test coordinators, special education supervisors	All levels	Accessibility and Accommodations Manual for the 2025 Test Administrations
Virtual MCAS-Alt Review Sessions: Using Zoom, DESE trained reviewers assist educators in virtual small breakout rooms. Each hour time slot is limited to 75 participants. Educators will be able to share their screens with the reviewers.	Wednesday, January 22 8:30a.m. – 2:50 p.m. Sign up for a single 1-hour time block between 8:30 a.m. – 2:50 p.m. (No sessions will be offered between 12:00 – 12:40 p.m.) or Thursday, January 23 8:30a.m. – 2:50 p.m. Sign up for a single 1-hour time block between 8:30 a.m. – 2:50 p.m. (No sessions will be offered between 12:00 – 12:40 p.m.)	Educators that actively administering the MCAS-Alt to one or more students	All levels	2025 Educator's Manual for MCAS- Alt Resource Guides English Language Arts and Literacy (PreK–Grade 12) Mathematics (PreK–Grade 12) Science and Technology/Engineering (STE) Civics (Grade 8 only)
ACCESS for ELLs Office Hours	Friday, January 24 10:00-10:30 a.m.	ACCESS for ELLs Test Coordinators, EL Program Directors, Principals	New and returning staff
Student Registration Office Hours for Grades 3–8	Monday, January 27 at 9:30–10:30 a.m.	Principals and school test coordinators for grades 3–8 schools, district test coordinators	All levels	MCAS Student Registration Guide
MCAS Test Security and Administration Protocols for New Staff	Tuesday, January 28 at 9:30–11:15 a.m.	Principals and school test coordinators, district test coordinators	New staff	The Spring 2025 MCAS Principal's Administration Manual is planned to be available in advance of this session. Participants are encouraged to review Part I — MCAS Test Security Requirements prior to the training session.
Student Registration Office Hours for High Schools	Wednesday, January 29 at 9:30–10:30 a.m.	High school principals and school test coordinators, district test coordinators	All levels	MCAS Student Registration Guide
MCAS Test Security and Administration Protocols for Returning Staff	Thursday, January 30 at 9:30–11:15 a.m.	Principals and school test coordinators, district test coordinators	Returning staff	The Spring 2025 MCAS Principal's Administration Manual is planned to be available in advance of this session. Participants are encouraged to review Part I — MCAS Test Security Requirements prior to the training session.
Office Hours — MCAS Portal Tasks for February Science	Friday, January 31 at 9:30–10:30 a.m.	High school principals and school test coordinators, district test coordinators	All levels	MCAS Student Registration Guide Guide to the MCAS Portal

Last Updated: January 3, 2025