State Assessment
MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System)
The MCAS was first implemented in 1993 in response to state and federal mandates that students who are educated with public funds must participate in statewide testing. MCAS tests are administered in the spring each year, March – May.
- MCAS English Language Arts & Mathematics – Grades 3-8, 10
- MCAS Science, Technology & Engineering – Grades 5, 8 and High School
- MCAS Civics – Grade 8
Student individuals score reports (ISRs) will be distributed in the fall and are available in the DESE MCAS Family Portal. For information about how to access the family portal, contact your child's school.
Additional information regarding MCAS and the MCAS Family Portal may be found at:
MCAS Resources for Parents/Guardians
WIDA ACCESS for ELs
Federal and state laws require that all students in Grades K-12 who are English Learners (ELs) be assessed annually to measure their proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking English, as well as the progress they are making towards learning English. ACCESS tests in Massachusetts are based on the WIDA (World Class Instructional Design and Assessment) English Development Standards. ACCESS tests are administered January – February. Additional information may be found at:
Understanding Your Child's Scores
MCAS Alternate Assessment (ALTs)
A very small number of students with the most significant cognitive disabilities, about 1% statewide, take the MCAS Alternate Assessment.This alternate assessment is a portfolio consisting of student work samples collected by teachers and submitted in March. Additional information may be found at: