Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System
Frequently Asked Questions
Source: State: Massachusetts Department of Education
1. What is tested on MCAS?
The MCAS tests are based on the learning standards in the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. In the 2006-2007 school year, MCAS tests are administered in the following content areas:
- English Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science and Technology/Engineering
- History and Social Science (question tryouts only)
View the MCAS testing schedule for 2006-2007.
2. What types of questions appear on MCAS tests, and how are student responses scored?
Four types of questions are used on MCAS tests:
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Multiple-choice questions are included on all MCAS tests except the ELA Composition and require students to select the correct answer from a list of four options.
Responses to multiple-choice questions are machine scored.
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Short-answer questions are included only on Mathematics tests and require students to generate a brief response, usually a numerical solution or a brief statement.
Responses to short-answer questions are scored on a scale of 0-1 points by one scorer at grades 3-8 and by two scorers independently at grade 10.
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Open-response questions are included on all MCAS tests except the ELA Composition and require students to generate, rather than recognize, a response. Students create a one- or two-paragraph response in writing or in the form of a narrative or a chart, table, diagram, illustration, or graph, as appropriate. Students can respond correctly using a variety of strategies and approaches.
Responses to open-response questions are scored using a scoring guide, or rubric, for each question. The scoring guides indicate what knowledge and skills students must demonstrate to earn 1, 2, 3, or 4 score points. Students earn 1 or 2 points for grade 3 Mathematics open-response questions.
Answers to open-response questions are not scored for spelling, punctuation, or grammar. Responses are scored by one scorer at grades 3-8 and high school, and by two scorers independently at grade 10.
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Writing prompts are included only on ELA Composition tests and require students to respond by creating a written composition.
The student compositions are scored independently by two scorers for-
Topic development, based on a six-score point scale, with students receiving from 2 to 12 points (the sum of scores from each of the two scorers)
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- Standard English conventions, based on a four-point scale, with students receiving from 2 to 8 points (the sum of the scores from each of the two scorers).
View test questions, scoring guides, and sample student work from the MCAS tests.
