The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) exams are mandatory in order to graduate from any Massachusetts public high school. Students must pass the English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, and either Physics, Biology, or Chemistry exam. Students need to take these assessments very seriously. While the MCAS is not a measure of students’ intelligence, it does determine what kind of future a child will have.
Please, please, please encourage your child to attend MCAS prep classes after school. Also encourage your child to take his/her science classes very seriously. MCAS Preparation classes for math are held after school on Mondays and Wednesdays. MCAS Preparation classes for ELA are held after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Science teachers are also after school each day to help support students in their understanding of science concepts. The passing rate of students who take advantage of MCAS Preparation classes is over 95%. We, at the Urban Science Academy, understand that the key to doing well on the MCAS is actually preparing well for the MCAS.
The best way to prepare for the MCAS exam is to practice taking the test, which is much of what happens during MCAS preparation classes. Most students can be trained to do well on the MCAS regardless of his of her level of ability on a particular subject. Students who do well are students who put the energy into doing well. Also students who do well in their core classes (humanities, math, science) tend to do well on the MCAS as well.
For more information regarding the MCAS exams, please refer to the Department of Education website: www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/overview.html