MCAS Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What subject area is tested by the MCAS Science and Technology/Engineering (STE) assessment at grade 5?
- Life Science and Earth and Space Science (Correct answer)
- Chemistry and Physics only
- Environmental Science and Astronomy
- Biology and Computer Science
Correct answer: Life Science and Earth and Space Science
The grade 5 STE MCAS covers Life Science and Earth and Space Science as outlined in the Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering curriculum framework.
Question 2: Under MCAS accommodations policy, which of the following is a standard accommodation available to eligible students with disabilities?
- Extended testing time (Correct answer)
- Having test questions read aloud without any eligibility criteria
- Substituting an oral essay for all written responses
- Exemption from all sections of the exam
Correct answer: Extended testing time
Extended testing time is a standard MCAS accommodation listed in IEPs and 504 plans for students with qualifying disabilities.
Question 3: A high school student who does not meet the grade 10 MCAS Competency Determination may still earn a diploma through which alternative pathway?
- Educational Proficiency Plan (EPP) pathway, demonstrating progress through coursework and other criteria (Correct answer)
- Completing 200 hours of community service in lieu of testing
- Passing a locally developed district exam approved by the school board
- Achieving a minimum SAT score of 1200
Correct answer: Educational Proficiency Plan (EPP) pathway, demonstrating progress through coursework and other criteria
Students who do not meet the CD score can satisfy the requirement through the Educational Proficiency Plan (EPP) pathway by demonstrating academic progress.
Question 4: Which item type on the MCAS Next Generation assessment asks students to write a multi-paragraph response based on source texts?
- Prose Constructed Response (PCR) (Correct answer)
- Selected Response (SR)
- Technology-Enhanced Constructed Response (TECR)
- Short Answer (SA)
Correct answer: Prose Constructed Response (PCR)
The Prose Constructed Response (PCR) item requires students to compose a multi-paragraph written response using evidence from provided source texts.
Question 5: What is the approximate MCAS testing window for spring administrations in Massachusetts?
- March through May (Correct answer)
- September through October
- January through February
- June through August
Correct answer: March through May
The primary MCAS spring testing window runs from approximately March through May each academic year.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes a 'selected response' question on the MCAS?
- A multiple-choice question where students choose one or more correct answers (Correct answer)
- A question requiring students to write a short paragraph
- A drag-and-drop computer-based task with no text answer
- An oral question answered directly to a proctor
Correct answer: A multiple-choice question where students choose one or more correct answers
Selected response items are multiple-choice or multi-select questions where students choose from provided answer options.
Question 7: Massachusetts uses MCAS data as part of its Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) accountability plan. Which metric is NOT typically part of this accountability framework?
- Student performance on private standardized tests purchased by families (Correct answer)
- Achievement levels in ELA and Math
- Progress of high-need student subgroups
- Graduation rates
Correct answer: Student performance on private standardized tests purchased by families
Private tests purchased by families are not part of the official ESSA accountability framework; only state-administered assessments and outcome data are used.
MCAS Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) 3
What subject area is tested by the MCAS Science and Technology/Engineering (STE) assessment at grade 5?