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
MCAS Tasks for Technology Coordinators	Friday, February 28 at 9:30–11:00 a.m.	Technology coordinators	New and returning staff	Guide to Installing the MCAS Student Kiosk and Conducting Site Readiness Technology Guidelines for MCAS Computer-Based Testing
Tasks in the MCAS Portal Before Testing	Tuesday, March 4 at 9:30–11:00 a.m.	Principals and test coordinators	New and returning staff	Guide to the MCAS Portal Guide to Creating and Managing Classes Guide to Scheduling Tests and Printing Student Logins Instructions for Using Materials Management in the MCAS Portal
Tasks in the MCAS Portal During/After Testing	Wednesday, March 5 at 9:30–11:00 a.m.	Principals and test coordinators	New and returning staff	Guide to the MCAS Portal Additional Tasks on the Test Scheduling Page of the MCAS Portal: Adding Report Codes, Reactivating Tests, and Exports Instructions for Unlocking Test Questions in the MCAS Student Kiosk
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, March 4 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, March 5 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Boston Marriott Peabody 8A Centennial Dr Peabody, MA 01960 (Space limited to 250 per session) Or Thursday, March 6 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Springfield Marriott Downtown 2 Boland Way Springfield, MA 01115 (Space limited to 250 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)
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.	Monday, March 10 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 Wednesday, March 12 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)
Office Hours: Tasks in the MCAS Portal for Grades 3 – 8	Wednesday, March 19 at 9:30–10:30 a.m.	Principals and test coordinators	New and returning staff	Guide to the MCAS Portal Guide to Creating and Managing Classes Guide to Scheduling Tests and Printing Student Logins Instructions for Using Materials Management in the MCAS Portal Additional Tasks on the Test Scheduling Page of the MCAS Portal: Adding Report Codes, Reactivating Tests, and Exports Instructions for Unlocking Test Questions in the MCAS Student Kiosk
Office Hours: Tasks in the MCAS Portal for High Schools	Thursday, March 20 at 9:30–10:30 a.m.	Principals and test coordinators	New and returning staff	Guide to the MCAS Portal Guide to Creating and Managing Classes Guide to Scheduling Tests and Printing Student Logins Instructions for Using Materials Management in the MCAS Portal Additional Tasks on the Test Scheduling Page of the MCAS Portal: Adding Report Codes, Reactivating Tests, and Exports Instructions for Unlocking Test Questions in the MCAS Student Kiosk
Office Hours: Tasks During and After Testing	Friday, March 28 at 9:30–10:30 a.m.	Principals and test coordinators	New and returning staff	Guide to the MCAS Portal Additional Tasks on the Test Scheduling Page of the MCAS Portal: Adding Report Codes, Reactivating Tests, and Exports Instructions for Unlocking Test Questions in the MCAS Student Kiosk

Last Updated: February 12, 2025