What is MCAS in Massachusetts?
The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) is a mandatory exam taken by all public school students in Massachusetts. Passing the exam is a requirement for high school graduation.HistoryIn compliance with the Education Reform Act of 1993, the MCAS was created to evaluate state curriculum learning standards and to evaluate and produce performance reports on schools, school districts and individual students.Exam TopicsStudents are tested in major subjects, including English language arts, mathematics, science and technology, history and social science.Use of ResultsThe results of the test provide several outcomes. For students, the exam evaluates students’ progress and identifies students who may need to seek academic support or take remedial classes in preparation for high school graduation. For schools and school districts, scores are used to identify their strengths and weaknesses. Underperforming school districts may in some cases receive additional funding to bring scor
