1. Welcome to the TAYLOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Introduction to MCAS

2. Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System MCAS

3. Why does my child need to take the MCAS? The law requires all public school students in Massachusetts to take part in the MCAS* MCAS measures performance based on Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks Learning Standards MCAS provides a measure of accountability for students, schools, and districts In grade 10, students must pass English Language Arts and Math (Class of 2010 must also pass Science and Technology/Engineering) To be compliant with No Child Left Behind all students must be proficient in reading and mathematics by 2014 *Not first year ELL students

4. Questions to be answered today… What is MCAS? What tests will my child take? How many sessions of testing will my child participate in? How many questions will my child answer? What type of questions will my child asked? What can parents do with the results, and what does the school do with the results? How can I support my child for MCAS? Where can I find additional information?

5. What is MCAS? MCAS: an assessment designed to meet requirements of Educational Reform Law of 1993 All tests are un-timed Grade 3 MCAS: Reading and Math Grade 4 MCAS: Composition, Reading, and Math Composition-rough draft and final copy Reading-2 sessions over a two week period –Practice is a story with 2 multiple choice question and 1 open response question –2 sessions –Read selection and answer multiple choice and open response questions –Multiple choice-1 point each (36 questions) –Open Response-one 4 point question, four 2 point questions

6. What is MCAS? Math-2 sessions over a two week period. –Practice is one multiple choice, one short answer, and one open response –The test assesses: Number Sense and Operations Patterns, Relationships,and Algebra Geometry Measurement Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability –The test has multiple choice, short answer, and open response questions Multiple choice-26 questions worth 1 point each Short answer-6 questions worth1 point each Open Response- 4 questions worth 2 points each

7. How many questions will my child answer? Reading –selection followed by multiple choice questions and open response questions –Last year children responded to 41 questions only 18 were reported MATH –Arrangement of word problems, tables, graphs, number sentences with higher order math skills embedded –There was only 1 computation problem –Last year children responded to 36 questions only 18 were reported

8. What type of questions was my child asked? The release questions from past tests are available through The Department of education website (for all grades dating back to 2006): http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/testitems.html

9. Parent Reports Th e Parent/Guardian Report will show how well your third grade child performed in Reading and Math compared to the performance of third grade students at the Taylor School, the town of Foxborough, and the state overall. The Parent/Guardian Report will show range of scores (performance level) and the test item scores for your child. The Parent/Guardian Report also includes new information such as ways to help your child, and places to find additional information. Now scored with same group titles as all other grades

15. How can I support my child for MCAS? Keep stress level down. Make sure your child has a good night’s rest, eats properly, and gets to school on time every day. Emphasize MCAS has no impact on your child’s report card, grades, or promotion. Encourage your child to do their best. Communicate with your child’s teacher regularly to see how the family can support your child’s learning at school.

16. How can I support my child for MCAS? Ask your child about the homework that is due tomorrow and next week, and make sure it gets done. Send your child to school prepared to learn. Ask your child to explain to you what he or she is studying. These conversations help you to follow your child’s progress, and help him or her to remember what has been learned.

17. Where can I find additional information? The Department of Education www.doe.mass.edu all test items from past MCAS tests are available at http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/testitems.html