MCAS Testing Update
The MCAS schedule is as follows:
April 1-2- 5th/6th grade MCAS ELA testing
April 8-9- 7th/8th grade MCAS ELA testing
April 26 & 29- 5th/6th grade MCAS Math testing
April 30 & May 2- 7th/8th grade MCAS Math testing
May 6-7- Science MCAS testing for grades 5 and 8 only

Massachusetts has transitioned to computer-based testing and this year, all middle school grades will participate in computer-based testing. In preparation for this, we’ll have all students participate in a tutorial to show students how to utilize the TestNav platform and a practice test. This will help students become familiar with the computer-based platform before they utilize it for testing and help our IT department and staff ensure everything is running smoothly before testing. This will occur on Thursday, 3/21 for students in grades 7 and 8 and Friday, 3/22 for students in grades 5 and 6. If you’d like to see the TestNav tutorial and/or review computer-based or paper-based practice tests, they are available at this website: http://mcas.pearsonsupport.com/tutorial/

Families often ask us what they can do at home to help their child be prepared and do their best on the day of the exam. Please be sure your child is well rested and eats a healthy breakfast on testing days. Remind your child that the tests are not timed and s/he is well prepared for the exams. We want our students to remember to go back into the passages as they work through the tests and to check all of their work prior to finishing. Be certain to arrive to school on time. Once a testing session has begun, students who are tardy are not permitted to enter the testing room. If you have any questions about MCAS testing, please do not hesitate to contact me at mkapeckas@innovationcharter.org or 978-649-0432 x 2229.