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 CoveredTraining Dates/Times Registration LinksIntended AudienceIntended Level of ExperienceRecommended Read-Ahead Materials
Office Hours for February Science Student Registration Thursday, November 20 at 9:30–10:30 a.m. School and district test coordinators New and returning staff MCAS Student Registration Guide

In-Person MCAS-Alt Review session

Bring your students' in-progress MCAS-Alt assessment and a tablet or laptop (limited outlets available for charging) to receive feedback and discuss your students' evidence.

Use this session to organize and assemble your students' portfolios.

Tuesday, January 13
8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Springfield Marriott Downtown
2 Boland Way
Springfield, MA 01115
(Space limited to 250 persons)

 Educators that are actively administering the MCAS-Alt to one or more students New and returning staff

2026 Educator's Manual for MCAS-Alt

Resource Guides

In-Person MCAS-Alt Review session

Bring your students' in-progress MCAS-Alt assessment and a tablet or laptop (limited outlets available for charging) to receive feedback and discuss your students' evidence.

Use this session to organize and assemble your students' portfolios.

Wednesday, January 14
8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Courtyard by Marriott Boston Marlborough
75 Felton St
Marlborough, MA 01752
(Space limited to 225 persons)

 Educators that are actively administering the MCAS-Alt to one or more students New and returning staff

2026 Educator's Manual for MCAS-Alt

Resource Guides

In-Person MCAS-Alt Review session

Bring your students' in-progress MCAS-Alt 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.

Thursday, January 15
8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Taunton Hotel and Conference Center
700 Myles Standish Blvd Taunton, MA 02780
(Space limited to 250 persons)

 Educators that are actively administering the MCAS-Alt to one or more students New and returning staff

2026 Educator's Manual for MCAS-Alt

Resource Guides
Overview of Student Registration Thursday, January 15 at 9:30–11:00 a.m. School and district test coordinators New staff, and returning staff who want a refresher MCAS Student Registration Guide

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

Tuesday, January 20
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 New and returning staff

2026 Educator's Manual for MCAS-Alt

Resource Guides

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.

Thursday, 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.)

 Educators that actively administering the MCAS-Alt to one or more students New and returning staff

2026 Educator's Manual for MCAS-Alt

Resource Guides
Accessibility and Accommodations Thursday, January 22 at 9:30–11:00 a.m. Principals and school test coordinators, district test coordinators, special education supervisors New and returning staff Accessibility and Accommodations Manual for the 2025–26 Test Administrations (to be available soon)
Office Hours — Accessibility and Accommodations Monday, January 26 at 9:30–10:30 a.m. Principals and school test coordinators, district test coordinators, special education supervisors New and returning staff Accessibility and Accommodations Manual for the 2025–26 Test Administrations (to be available soon)
MCAS Test Administration and Security Protocols for Returning Staff Tuesday, January 27 at 9:30–11:00 a.m. Principals and school test coordinators, district test coordinators Returning staff Principal's Administration Manual (to be available later this school year)
Office Hours — Student Registration Wednesday, January 28 at 9:30–10:30 a.m. Principals and school test coordinators, district test coordinators Returning staff MCAS Student Registration Guide
MCAS Test Administration and Security Protocols for New Staff Thursday, January 29 at 9:30–11:00 a.m. Principals and school test coordinators, district test coordinators New staff Principal's Administration Manual (to be available later this school year)
Technology Coordinator Training Monday, February 2 at 9:30–11:00 a.m. Technology coordinators New and returning staff MCAS Student Kiosk Technology Guide
Tasks in the MCAS Portal Before Testing Wednesday, March 4 at 9:30–11:00 a.m. Principals and school test coordinators, district test coordinators New and returning staff Guide to the MCAS Portal (to be available soon)
Tasks in the MCAS Portal During and After Testing Thursday, March 12 at 9:30–11:00 a.m. Principals and school test coordinators, district test coordinators New and returning staff Guide to the MCAS Portal (to be available soon)
Office Hours — MCAS Portal Tasks Thursday, March 19 at 9:30–11:00 a.m. Principals and school test coordinators, district test coordinators New and returning staff Guide to the MCAS Portal (to be available soon)

Last Updated: October 30, 2025

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