CIVICS

The first Massachusetts' Civics MCAS  was given statewide in 2025.  The development of the Grade 8 Civics assessment is a response to renewed calls to action, both within the Commonwealth and nationally, to bolster civic learning and strengthen democratic institutions. The Civics assessment is part of DESE's broader goals for history and social science education to prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to become thoughtful and active participants in a democratic society and a complex world. DESE was charged with developing a Civics assessment for grade 8 alongside the state's broader initiatives to strengthen civics education as described in Chapter 296 of the Acts of 2018, An Act to Promote and Enhance Civic Engagement . 

2025 MCAS Results

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Current Curriculum & Instructional Improvement Action Steps to Increase Student Achievement:

1. Exporation of  high quality instructional materials for social studies at the middle school level. A formal process to follow. 

2. Future anticipated dialogue for adoption of elementary Social Studies curriculum.

3. Applied Learning practices integrated in Social Studies curriculum-currently part of middle school professional development 

4. Focus on our Multi-Tiered System of Supports, with strengthening Tier I as a starting point

5. Development of 6 to 8 "Look-fors" in Tier I across the district

6. Clear, consistent and connected school improvement plans

7. Development of a District Improvement Plan