In an update from Commissioner Chester,
we learned what many of you may now know: “At its November 17 meeting, BESE
voted to transition to a next-generation MCAS test that will be given for the
first time in spring 2017 and use both PARCC and MCAS items, as well as items
developed specifically for the Massachusetts test.” In addition, the Commissioner noted that,
“The spring 2016 MCAS tests will include a limited number of PARCC items in
order to help make statewide comparisons easier and to offer students and staff
the opportunity to experience PARCC items while the new assessment is being
developed.”
With regards to the 10th
grade proficiency exam, Commissioner Chester informed districts that, “All high
schools will continue to administer the grade 10 MCAS in English language arts
and mathematics, as well as the high school science and technology/engineering
tests, in 2016 and 2017.”
Based on the vote taken by BESE the
following changes also took place:
•Each MCAS test in grades 3–8 ELA and
Mathematics will be supplemented with a small number of PARCC items.
•In ELA, one of the PARCC items will
require students to write in response to text.
•Because of this change for ELA, the
Department has decided to eliminate the ELA Composition in grades 4 and 7 in
spring 2016. The ELA Composition for grade 10 will continue to be administered.
•The MCAS ELA administration window for
grades 3–8 will begin and end one week later to accommodate changes to the test
and allow for additional instructional time. The new ELA administration window
for grades 3–8 will be March 28 to April 12. Please note that grade 10 ELA
testing dates will remain the same.
The district stands ready to implement
these changes and our staff will continue to enhance their instructional strategies
in order to provide the optimal learning environment for all of our students.
