| ADDITIONAL LINKS: |
The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS)
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 ![]() HOW WE CAN HELP: Merit Software's programs address the specific areas covered on the The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS). Visit our Curriculum Correlations for Massachusetts. MERIT SOLUTIONS FOR: Elementary School Middle School High School College Prep Special Ed - Learning Workplace Adult Literacy - GED Prep ESL Beginning ESL Intermediate ESL Advanced - TOEFL Prep |