MCAS Information

MCAS Information
Posted on 03/19/2019

Dear Putnam Ave. Families,

As you already know, MCAS is right around the corner! All of our students will take computer-based tests in ELA and Math, and 8th graders will also take Science, Technology, and Engineering.

What does MCAS assess?
MCAS assesses our progress at each grade toward the state standards in English and Math, and in 8th grade Science. In each area, scores are reported in the following categories: Exceeding Expectations, Meeting Expectations, Partially Meeting Expectations, and Not Meeting Expectations. Please note that although MCAS testing is important, it is only one measure of a student’s academic knowledge, and MCAS scores do not determine a student’s success, failure, or promotion as a middle school student.

When is MCAS at PAUS?

Putnam Ave. MCAS Schedule

  ELA Math Science
6th Grade Tues. 4/9/19
Wed. 4/10/19
Thurs. 4/11/19 (make-ups)
 Tues. 5/7/19
Wed. 5/8/19
Thurs. 5/9/19 (make-ups)
 
7th Grade Tues. 4/23/19
Wed. 4/24/19
Thurs. 4/25/19 (make-ups)
Mon. 5/13/19
Tues. 5/14/19
Mon. 5/20/19 (make-ups) 
 
8th Grade Tues. 4/30/19
Wed. 5/1/19
Thurs. 5/2/19 (make-ups)
Thurs. 5/16/19
Fri. 5/17/19
Mon. 5/20/19 (make-ups)
Tues. 5/21/19
Wed. 5/22/19
Thurs. 5/23/19 (make-ups) 

Teachers have been working hard to ensure that students are ready by teaching a rigorous curriculum aligned to the MA Frameworks, incorporating MCAS-style questions, teaching test-taking strategies, and reflecting on student work in order to adjust their instruction. Throughout March and April teachers will reinforce test-taking strategies in the classroom.

As we work to prepare students at school for the tests, it would be helpful if you would review some general test-taking tips with your child.

View some general test taking tips >>

How else can you help?

  • Please encourage your child to give their best effort during the test.
  • Ask your child to share with you what they are writing about in school. They should be able to tell you something in every class, including specialties!
  • Remind students how important it is to answer every part of a question and to show their work or explain their ideas.
  • Use the language of Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (C-E-R) when you talk with your child. Encourage your child to use a C-E-R framework when trying to convince you of something or when viewing the news or reading an article. When your child makes a claim, ask:
    • “Why?” or “What makes you say that?”
    • “How do you know that?” or “What evidence do you have?”
    • “Why is this important?”
  • Continue to make sure that your child is reading every night.
  • Review and discuss with your child test-taking strategies, which can be found in this presentation.

Thank you,

Mirko Chardin
Head of School

Website by SchoolMessenger Presence. © 2024 SchoolMessenger Corporation. All rights reserved.