What is MCAS:
MCAS helps the Commonwealth identify schools and districts that need additional support. The next-generation MCAS reports your child's scores in new categories that better show whether your child is meeting expectations in their grade level (Mass.gov).
What is ACCESS testing?
The test provides information about students' English language abilities in school. Educators use this information to make decisions about students' education. ACCESS measures what students know and can do in English in the domains of Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing.
Tips for MCAS testing/Access testing:
What can Parents do to help?
Parents and families can do several things to create a positive test-taking experience and help students prepare for tests. Here are some ideas:
● Make sure your child gets enough sleep, eats properly, and gets to school on time. During test time, make this a special effort.
● Encourage your child to READ, READ, READ. No activity is linked to academic success as much as reading. Even the math portion of the MCAS uses word problems to test problem-solving ability.
The Day of the Test:
● Make sure that your child is well rested and eats breakfast.
● See that your child arrives at school on time and is relaxed.
● Comfort counts. Send a sweater if it’s a cool day. Dress in layers for a warm day.
● Encourage your child to do the best work possible and to have a positive attitude.
● Encourage your child to listen/ read carefully to all test-taking directions and to ask questions if any directions are unclear.
● Remind your child not to get stuck on any one item.
● Encourage your child to check answers for accuracy.
Testing anxiety :
● Talk about the test in a positive way.
● Encourage best effort.
● Encourage your child to focus on his or her strengths, such as a good memory or strong analytical skills.
● Assure your child that the test is only one measure of academic performance.
● Assure your child that their teacher has provided them with excellent strategies to help them have a successful test experience. Remind your child to be confident and use these strategies. Remember
—you are very important to your child’s success in school and in life. Your interest and support let your child know you believe in him or her and that you value education. We hope these suggestions help you help your child have a positive testing experience.