Dear CRLS 11th Grade Families & Caregivers,
Every spring, students across the state participate in the
Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS), which are tests that measure the degree to which students are learning the
Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks relative to the expectations for each grade level.
In typical years, CPS students need to earn a passing score on state MCAS tests in English language arts (ELA), math, and Science/Technology/Engineering in order to meet state requirements for high school graduation. For the Class of 2022 - your current 11th graders - this would mean taking the ELA and math MCAS this spring since the MCAS was canceled in spring 2020.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the state waived MCAS requirements for the Class of 2021, and is expected to expand that policy to the Class of 2022 at a Board of Elementary and Secondary Education meeting on April 20. If this happens as expected,
the MCAS ELA & Math MCAS for current juniors (Class of 2022) will be OPTIONAL.
Scholarships: Current juniors may still take the test this spring to qualify for the
Adams Scholarship and
Koplik Certificate of Mastery. Juniors who do not participate this Spring will also be able to test for scholarships during the retest period in Fall 2021
Families will need to OPT-IN for their 11th grade students to take the MCAS this spring:
FOR FAMILIES OF 11th GRADE STUDENTS
If you want your student to participate in the 11th grade MCAS, complete this form by April 29.
If you do NOT WANT your student to participate in the 11th grade MCAS, no action needed. |
Key information about the optional 11th grade MCAS:
- No remote option; in-person only: The state is not currently providing an option for high school students to take MCAS remotely. CRLS will provide more information soon about the schedule and procedures for remote learners to participate in the MCAS in-person.
- Length of test: The optional 11th grade ELA and Math MCAS tests will be taken on paper in May and June and are scheduled into five separate sessions and take approximately 45 minutes to 2 ½ hours each to complete.
More details can be found on the CPS MCAS website.
You can expect us to reach out with more logistical information closer to the days of testing. If you have questions on any of this, please contact your student’s Dean of Curriculum. Thank you for your continued partnership with us in this challenging year.
LC C - Jennifer Hamilton
LC R - Tanya Milner
LS L - Allan Gehant
LC S - Siobahn Mulligan
Sincerely,
Principal Smith