Blank CBT Response Boxes Now UpdatedBlank CBT response boxes, which allow students to practice answering constructed-response questions using TestNav, have been updated. For ELA and STE, students can answer the constructed-response question and use the blue arrow at the top of the screen to submit a final answer. Educators can then view the student response and print the screen to review students' work (this is the same functionality as in the practice tests).
Calculators are embedded in the Mathematics and STE response boxes for the grade levels where a calculator is required during MCAS testing.
Educators may want to have students use the blank response boxes on their computers in conjunction with a question written or projected on the board. To access the blank CBT response boxes from the MCAS Resource Center, click on "Practice Tests," then the subject area, and then the grade level to view the practice tests. The blank CBT response boxes are listed in the "Resources" section on the right-hand side.
MCAS CBT Waiver RequestsThe deadline for requesting a waiver from the expectation of computer-based testing in spring 2019 has now passed, and we are now in the process of communicating decisions to districts. However, if your district was not aware of the deadline and needs to submit a request, email mcas@doe.mass.edu as soon as possible.
Sessions Scheduled for JanuaryPortfolios-in-Progress Portfolio Review SessionsPortfolio review sessions for educators conducting the MCAS-Alt will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on the dates shown below. Educators can bring their students' portfolios and their questions to a review session and receive feedback from an MCAS-Alt training specialist. Teachers can also use this time to continue working on their students' portfolios.
Registration is now available, and a flyer will be emailed to educators, principals, educational collaborative directors, and administrators of special education on November 28.
Portfolios-in-Progress dates and locations are shown below.
MCAS-Alt Introduction SessionOne final MCAS-Alt introduction training session will be offered on Thursday, January 10, 2019 (8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.) at the Best Western Hotel in Marlborough for teachers conducting the MCAS-Alt for the first time who were unable to attend an Introduction to MCAS-Alt training session in October. Registration is now available.
ACCESS for ELLs Online Test Set-UpThe Department will preload student data into the WIDA Assessment Management System (AMS) for students who were reported as ELs in your district's October 2018 SIMS report. Test coordinators will be able to review and edit this information between December 3, 2018 and February 8, 2019. During this time, you will be able to:
Schools should have already received additional information from Data Recognition Corporation, the testing vendor, on November 26. Additional information will be included in the next EL Assessment Update, scheduled for December 3.
Registration for the February Biology Test: Due December 14Schools must complete the Student Registration/Personal Needs Profile (SR/PNP) process to order student test materials for the February Biology test between December 3 and 14.
Superintendents must ensure that educational collaboratives and approved private special education schools order materials via the SR/PNP process for their students in out-of-district placements.
A response is required from each high school by December 14, including from schools that do not have students participating in this administration. Schools with the following two special situations should contact the MCAS Service Center before the deadline:
The following resources are available for guidance in completing the SR/PNP:
Questions about ordering test materials can be directed to the MCAS Service Center, and questions about policies or participation guidelines can be directed to the Office of Student Assessment Services (see contact information in the header of this update).
Principals, MCAS test coordinators, special education directors, and EL program directors automatically receive this Student Assessment Update based on contact information submitted to the Department. To change your email address or to add another staff member who serves in one of these roles, please follow the instructions below:
For others who wish to subscribe, email imailsrv@list1.doe.mass.edu with the following information in the body of the email: "subscribe SASUpdate Your_Name" (Example: subscribe SASUpdate John_Smith). To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with the following information in the body: "unsubscribe SASUpdate."
In addition, ESE sends occasional communications regarding state policies that affect educators, parents, and other community stakeholders, as well as opportunities for community members to participate in state initiatives. Please visit our newsletter sign-up page if you are interested in receiving other news and information from the Department.
We welcome your questions and feedback at mcas@doe.mass.edu. Thank you.
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