Millis Public Schools

MS Listserve 1-22-19 MCAS testing dates
Published on Jan 22, 2019 15:22

The Millis Public Schools will be administering the state MCAS tests this spring to assess our students’ learning based on the standards from the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. Parents will receive results in the fall. We use these results, as well as classroom performance, school assessments, and observational data to plan appropriate instruction for students. I want to share the Middle School testing schedule for this year and ask for your help in making sure students are in school on those days if possible.

This is the third year for administration of tests known as the Next-Generation MCAS 2.0, which are designed to more deeply assess students’ deeper understanding and higher level thinking skills. Students in all grades 5-8 will participate in computer-based testing in ELA, Math, and Science again this year. There will be two ELA sessions and two Math sessions for students in grades 5 through 8. There will be two Science session for students in grade 5 and grade 8. All tests are untimed and writing is embedded in tests at all grade levels. The testing schedule is as follows:

Although we wish to minimize the impact of testing on students, we also believe it is important for them to have an opportunity to have some practice with the computer-based testing tools. Therefore, we may hold a brief practice session prior to the actual test administration. We ask for your help in striking a balance between encouraging students to do their best and minimizing test anxiety. We consider MCAS to be one piece of evidence that we use to measure student growth and progress, and we recognize that your child’s individual strengths, passions, and talents may not be reflected in a test score.

If you would like more information, visit http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/parents/ Student Council Dance Grades 5 and 6 Friday, January 25th @ 5pm to 7pm in the cafeteria $5 per person and they'll be selling baked goods and snacks