The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) is the Commonwealth's new statewide assessment program for public schools. MCAS measures the performance of students, schools, and districts on the academic learning standards contained in the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, fulfilling requirements of the Education Reform Law of 1993. In May 1998, students in grades 4, 8, and 10 participated in the first annual administration of the MCAS tests in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science & Technology. All students in grades 4, 8, and 10 are tested in English language arts, mathematics, and science and technology. In May 1999, history and social science were added. Students are required to pass the MCAS grade 10 tests in English Language Arts and Mathematics in order to receive a high school diploma. Students are given multiple opportunities, if necessary, to pass the tests. Students must also meet local graduation requirements for high school graduation, such as completion of required coursework.

In October, 2004, Massachusetts public school students with limited English proficiency participated in the first operational administration of the new Massachusetts English Proficiency Assessment (MEPA). The MEPA program includes two components: a reading and writing test (MEPA R/W) and a speaking and listening test based on the Massachusetts English Language Assessment-Oral (MELA-O).

Merit’s Language Arts and math software programs correlate to the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and can help students prepare for the as MCAS. The content and format of Merit’s programs can help students develop and strengthen their test-taking skills as well as their reading, writing and math skills.

Merit reading software has been proven -- through rigorous, scientifically based research -- to increase both student reading comprehension and standardized test scores. Merit research study findings reveal that education software is an effective tool to improve test scores and academic performance.



Published: May 2005