MY OPINION ON MCAS
Everyone has an opinion on MCAS. My opinion is that right now MCAS is a requirement in all Massachusetts public schools. Therefore, teachers within a Massachusetts public school, have the responsibility to best prepare their students for this test. This does not mean "teach to the test". What it means is that material taught should be the material laid out in the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks (the material the State says teachers have to teach). By teaching the material laid out in the Frameworks, public school teachers will in fact be teaching the material the state will choose from to make up the MCAS test.
In preparing to take my Math Certification Test, I took a "prep" course at Salem State University. This course was a review of the material that I could expect to see on my standardized test. The best tool I believe my instructor gave me during this course was the numerous problems he assigned for homework. During each class my instructor would then go over, in a step by step process, any of the problems the class had questions on. I believe that this repetitive motion, and a detailed explanation of how to approach and solve each problem, was instrumental in my test taking success. I believe Massachusetts public school students deserve the same preparation. However, I am not naive to the fact that public school teachers can face many challenges in their jobs; many that are totally out of their own control.
Just as I believe that passing a Masschusetts Certification Test doesn't make one a good teacher, I also believe that if a child cannot pass MCAS, it doesn't mean they shouldn't receive a High School diploma. However, right now this is how Massachusetts is measuring success of our teachers, districts and our children. If your child is struggling with Mathematics or the Mathematics MCAS test, perhaps I can help. Please visit my Tutoring Services page for more information.
Additional Important Information
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has adopted what is called the Common Core Standards. Massachusetts is in the transition stage for implementing the Common Core Standards, Public school students will be assessed on these new standards in a phased-in process. For information on the Common Core Standards and the Massachusetts DESE's implementation plan, please visit the following links.
Common Core State Standards Initiative
Massachusetts Common Core State Standard Initiative
(including assessment transition)
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MCAS Tips and Links
The Mathematic MCAS testing typically takes place in May. You may visit the DESE website for an MCAS testing timeframe.
DESE MCAS testing timeframe
Below are some suggestions on how you may be able to help your child prepare for the test.
Tips for helping your child prepare for the MCAS
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Make sure your child is in school and does all their homework and assignments. This will help make sure your child is prepared for the test.
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Encourage your child to do their best. Let him/her know you believe in him/her.
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Make sure your child gets enough sleep on the night before the test.
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Ensure that your child eats a healthy breakfast. Avoid heavy foods that may make him/her groggy and avoid high sugar food that my make him/her hyper.
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Make sure that your child gets up early enough so that he/she doesn't have to rush to arrive at school on time.
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Mark down test days on your calendar so you and your child are both aware of testing dates.
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Talking about the test with your child can relieve stress about test taking.
Download additional Test Taking Tips here
Below are links to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's (DESE) MCAS web pages.
The first link brings you to the MCAS Sample Student Work and Scoring Guides. Here you can find sample questions from previous years MCAS tests.
MCAS Sample Student Work and Scoring Guide
This second link brings you to the MCAS released items page. Here you can select and download, by year AND grade level, sample MCAS tests and answer keys.
You may find it helpful to print some of these samples and go over them with your child.
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MCAS