Today, the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) released results from the MCAS tests taken last Spring. These results include those from the next-generation MCAS tests taken in grades 3-8.
Due to the fact that the state administered new tests, we are receiving these results about a month later than we typically do and we have not had a lot of time to analyze the results in great detail. We will be doing that over the next few weeks and there will be opportunities for individual schools, grades and departments to review the results and assess their impact on teaching and learning.
Legacy MCAS tests: The Science & Technology MCAS tests given in grades 5, 8 and HS, along with the grade 10 ELA and Math tests, will follow the scoring format that has been used for over two decades, with students scoring Advanced, Proficient, Needs Improvement, and Warning, on a scale of 200-280.
Next-Generation MCAS tests: The ELA and Math tests given to grades 3-8 align with a new set of performance levels outlined below, on a scale of 440-560. It is important to note that because of changes in the test, these levels do not necessarily align with the “legacy” MCAS levels. (please note that MHS will not take the Next-Generation MCAS test until the spring of 2019)
- Exceeding Expectations (E): student performance on this test demonstrates mastery of the subject matter and exceeds grade level expectations.
- Meeting Expectations (M): student performance on this test meet grade level expectations; as results are vertically aligned across grades, the student is on track to succeed if continuing at this level.
- Partially Meeting Expectations (PM): student performance on this test partly meet grade level expectations; school and family should consider if additional assistance is needed.
- Not Meeting Expectations (NM): student performance on this test do not meet grade level expectations; family and school should coordinate academic assistance and/or additional instruction.
Next week, school districts will receive individual student test results. Those results will be mailed home to the families of each student, along with a letter from Acting Commissioner, Mr. Jeffrey Wulfson.
As always, we look at the MCAS tests as but one lens through which we can gain an understanding on where our students are excelling and where they may need assistance. It also allows educators to focus on areas that the test results may highlight as an area of need for a particular grade level or subject area.
To learn more about the next-generation MCAS, please visit the following links:
Thank you and have a great day.
