Monthly MCAS Next-Gen Updates from the DESE Available Online

MCAS Next Gen Practice Assessments!  (Computer-Based versions via TestNav)

January 2017 Updates

2-ProgressToDate.pdf

3-ELA-MathStandardsReviewUpdate_011717.pdf

5-MCAS Test Administration Update.pdf

6-Public Feedback on Next-Generation MCAS Achievement Level.pdf

7-HighSchoolRecommendations.pdf

8-Digital Learning Update 011717.pdf

PDFs of Presentations from the Winter Conference 2017 - MCAS Next Generation

Proposed Changes to ELA and Math Standards Available for Public Comment:

Last week, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted to release for public comment new drafts of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks for English Language Arts and Literacy and Mathematics. Comments may be made through February 17, 2017 through an online survey. Educators interested in learning more about the proposed changes are encouraged to check out the English language arts and literacy and math standards review page on ESE’s website or sign up for one of ESE's Office Hours sessions during the comment period.

Update from the DESE sent to ATMIM Members on 7/16/2016:

 

Next-generation MCAS contract notice

 

The vendor selection committee has determined that Measured Progress’ proposal best meets the Commonwealth's requirements, including:

·         Their general plan

·         Management and staffing qualifications

·         Corporate and technical capacity

·         Online test delivery and management platform

·         Proposed budget

·         Their ability to carry out the optional tasks and future directions described in the procurement

·         Cost

 

The assessment contract notice is online. Scroll down to “Notice of Intent to Award” in the File Attachments section. American Institutes for Research (AIR) and  Measured Progress submitted bids for the next-generation MCAS project. The 12-member vendor selection committee included Department staff, representatives from Massachusetts school districts, and representatives from Massachusetts public higher education.

 

Phase-in Plan for Computer-Based MCAS Testing

 

After consultation with the Test Administration Workgroup and other stakeholders, the Department has decided to implement a gradual transition plan to phase in computer-based testing. We hope this will make the transition more manageable for school and district staff. Here are the details:

 

· For next year’s tests (spring 2017), our expectation is that all schools will administer the computer-based versions of the ELA and math tests in grades 4 and 8.^[1]

· The Department’s Office of Digital Learning will provide consultation and support for schools that anticipate difficulty in meeting this requirement. In exceptional circumstances, we will waive the spring 2017 requirement if the school has made a good-faith effort to comply and has a plan for getting on track by spring 2018.

· For grades 3, 5, 6, and 7, schools may elect either the computer-based or the paper-based tests next spring. We strongly encourage districts to implement the computer-based version in as many additional grades as possible. The Board’s “hold harmless” policy with respect to school level determinations next year provides a good opportunity for students, teachers, and administrators to gain experience with computer-based testing.

· Paper versions of all tests will always be available as an accommodation as required by a student’s individualized education program (IEP). We also anticipate setting up a process for principals to request a paper-based test accommodation for a small number of students who do not have IEPs but who are unable to take a computer-based test for other reasons.

· We are currently considering a transition in grades 5 and 7 to full computer-based testing in spring 2018, followed by grades 3 and 6 in spring 2019. We’ll finalize this schedule after the 2017 test administration and after plans for high school testing are finalized.

 

It is the Department’s intention to develop a test that is compatible with most of the devices in common use in schools, including tablets, Chromebooks, laptops, and desktop computers. In the coming weeks, we will be finalizing our selection of the next-generation MCAS testing contractor. After that is completed, we will provide additional details regarding the technical specifications for networks and devices. Additionally, we plan to announce funding opportunities for infrastructure upgrades later this summer.

 

Department staff in our Office of Digital Learning (odl@doe.mass.edu) and in Student Assessment Services (assessment@doe.mass.edu) are available to answer questions from districts and provide additional assistance.

(End of Update)