You probably already know that most Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) tests will start rolling out in many schools during March. But maybe you’re not sure how to get your child the proper accommodations on MCAS.
Here’s the #1 thing to remember about MCAS accommodations:
“The student’s IEP or 504 plan must specify which MCAS accommodation(s) a student will receive, and the IEP must be approved by the parent/guardian (or student over age 18) before an accommodation may be used by the student.”
In this article, we’ll break down these crucial aspects of MCAS testing accommodations in a way that’s easy to understand.
1- Is my child eligible for MCAS testing accommodations?
Yes, students in special education are eligible for testing accommodations to ensure that the assessment accurately reflects their abilities. The IEP team assesses your child’s needs and recommends appropriate accommodations.
2- WIll my child’s classroom accommodations be automatically applied to MCAS?
No, you will not automatically get the same MCAS accommodations as you have in the classroom. Check your child’s IEP for the section labeled “State or District-wide Assessment”. That is where any planned accommodations for MCAS are listed. Make sure you talk about and document these accommodations in your child’s IEP well ahead of the MCAS test dates.
3- What types of testing accommodations are available?
The specific accommodations your child receives will depend on their individual needs and the recommendations of the IEP team. Massachusetts offers a range of accommodations for students with disabilities, including:
- Extended time on the test
- Small group or individual testing environments
- Use of assistive technology
- Read-aloud assistance
- Scribing assistance
- Frequent breaks during testing
- Braille or large-print materials
- More complete list of standard and nonstandard accommodations
Generally the accommodations for MCAS will be ones your child regularly uses in the classroom. But there may be classroom accommodations that are not considered appropriate for MCAS testing so it’s not a given that all classroom accommodations will be allowed for MCAS testing.
KidvoKit can answer more of your questions about special education in Massachusetts.
4- Why does MCAS matter?
MCAS scores can help measure progress and see how effective the school’s teaching methods are. While it can be tempting to opt-out of testing for kids who struggle with academics and testing, it does provide data that can be useful in judging whether your child is making effective progress. Standardized MCAS data can be compared to data provided by classroom teachers and specialists to see if it is all telling the same story.
5- Will accommodations affect your child’s scores or the test’s fairness?
The good news is that accommodations are meant to level the playing field. They’re there to help your child take the test without any barriers, so it accurately shows what they know and can do. While accommodations change how the test is given, they don’t change the test’s content or difficulty.
Conclusion:
As a parent, understanding the accommodations process and working closely with your child’s IEP team to get those accommodations listed in their Individualized Education Program or 504 is key. With the right accommodations and some prep, your child can show off their abilities and make meaningful progress in their education. You’ve got this!