Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (continued)

4. How are test results used?

Parents, students, and educators use the results to:

• Follow student progress
• Identify strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in curriculum and instruction
• Fine-tune curriculum alignment with the statewide standards
• Gather diagnostic information that can be used to improve student performance
• Identify students who may need additional support services/remediation

School and district accountability

As required by the Education Reform Law, the Board of Education established a rating system and standards for improving student academic performance that schools and districts must meet. In addition, under No Child Left Behind the Department reports on the Annual Yearly Progress of students in schools and districts based on MCAS results.

View more information on the School Performance Ratings Process

Student accountability

Students are required to pass the MCAS grade 10 tests in English Language Arts and Mathematics and, beginning with the class of 2010, one high school test in Biology, Chemistry, Introductory Physics, or Technology/Engineering, and fulfill all local requirements, to be eligible for a high school diploma. Students are given multiple opportunities, if necessary, to pass the tests. Students also must meet local requirements for high school graduation (for example, completion of required coursework).

5. Is a ranking of districts and towns by MCAS scores available?

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education does NOT rank cities or towns based on MCAS scores. Often local media use statewide results to create their own rankings. However, this practice is not encouraged or endorsed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

6. Are all students required to participate?

As mandated by the Education Reform Law of 1993, all students educated with public funds are required to participate in the MCAS tests administered in their grades, including the following:

• students enrolled in public schools
• students enrolled in charter schools
• students enrolled in educational collaboratives
• students enrolled in private schools receiving special education that is publicly funded by the Commonwealth, including approved and unapproved private special education schools within and outside Massachusetts
• students enrolled in institutional settings receiving educational services
• students in mobile military families
• students in the custody of either the Department of Social Services (DSS) or the Department of Youth Services (DYS)
• students with disabilities (see Students with Disabilities)
• students with limited English proficiency (see LEP Students)

Home-schooled students are not enrolled in the public school system; therefore, they are not required nor entitled by law to participate in MCAS.

For more information, refer to participation requirements.

7. Can parents refuse their child's participation in MCAS tests?

Parents may not legally refuse their child's participation in MCAS tests. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 76, Sections 2 and 4, establish penalties for truancy as well as for inducing unlawful absence of a minor from school. In addition, school discipline codes generally define local rules for school attendance and penalties for unauthorized absence from school or from a required part of the school day.