Standardized Testing

Testing Calendars

SAT Examinations 2020-21 Calendar

ACT Examinations 2020-21 Calendar

PSAT Examinations

The Preliminary SAT, also known as the PSAT/NMSQT® (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test), is a practice version of the SAT exam. You can only take the PSAT once per year. All students. grade 9, 10 and 11, take the exam here at Worcester North High School. PSAT Exams are held in the fall - more information to come regarding specific dates for these examinations. If you earn a high score on the PSAT your junior year, you could qualify to receive a National Merit Scholarship—$180 million dollars in merit scholarships are awarded to students each year. The PSAT is 2 hours and 45 minutes long and tests your skills in reading, writing, and math. Unlike the SAT, the highest score possible on the PSAT is 1520. The PSAT tests students on Evidence Based Reading, Writing and Language, and Mathematics (with and without calculator). Learn more details about the PSAT Exams through the following PSAT Link.

Advanced Placement (AP) Exams

Advanced Placement Exams are tests that students take at the conclusion of completing an AP level course. Exams are scheduled during the first three week in the month of May. Many colleges and universities factor AP Exam scores into their individual college admissions process. Each college will stipulate on their website if AP scores should be sent to there university or not. The benefit of the AP tests is that if a student scores well, the successful completion of the class/exam could count as college credit. For more detail about each college's AP credit policies, please visit the College Board's AP website. For a list of the 2020-21 Advanced Placement Exam schedule please visit the AP Exam Dates and Fees web-page.

Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS)

All students must pass Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System tests in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science to receive a diploma from a Massachusetts public high school. North High School students take the ELA and Mathematics (Algebra and Geometry) MCAS tests in spring of the 10th grade. North High School students take a Science-Biology MCAS test in June of the 9th grade.

Click Here For The Department of Education MCAS Parent & Student Guide

Legacy MCAS Achievement Level Definitions

Grade 9 & 10 Exam Scoring:

Advanced, Proficient, Needs Improvement, Failing

The achievement level definitions below, which apply across subject areas and grade levels, are used as a basis for determining the minimum score for each of the achievement levels on each of the MCAS tests. Also linked below are definitions of achievement levels for each content area tested. The general and content-specific definitions are meant to help teachers, students, parents, and others understand the meaning of the MCAS results.

General Achievement Level Definitions

Advanced (A)

Students at this level demonstrate a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of rigorous subject matter, and provide sophisticated solutions to complex problems.

Proficient (P)

Students at this level demonstrate a solid understanding of challenging subject matter and solve a wide variety of problems.

Needs Improvement (NI)

Students at this level demonstrate a partial understanding of subject matter and solve some simple problems.

Failing (F)

Students at this level demonstrate a minimal understanding of subject matter and do not solve simple problems.

Note: Next Gen Scoring ELA and Math 2019-Present for all Worcester Public School students

Legacy Scores For Biology Only Exams 1993-Present for all Worcester Public School students

Educational Proficiency Plan (EPP)

Federal law requires that all students display proficiency on the MCAS Mathematics and English Examinations. On the MCAS tests, students show proficiency with a score of 240 (Legacy) / NextGen ELA 472 or above and NextGen Mathematics 486 or above. For students who score between 220 and 238 (Legacy) / and NextGen ELA 455 - 471 and Next Gen Mathematics 469-485 (in the Needs Improvement category), North High School will develop an Educational Proficiency Plan.

Students on an EPP must complete certain requirements in order to display proficiency to meet graduation requirements:

For students in the class of 2020:

students who have not yet scored at least Proficient/240 on the grade 10 MCAS English Language Arts test and/or
students who have not yet scored at least Proficient/240 on the grade 10 MCAS Mathematics test

For students in the classes of 2021, 2022 and 2023:

students who have not yet scored the next-generation MCAS equivalent (a scaled score of 472 or higher) of at least Proficient/240 on the grade 10 MCAS English Language Arts test and/or
students who have not yet scored the next-generation MCAS equivalent (a scaled score of 486 or higher) of at least Proficient/240 on the grade 10 MCAS Mathematics test

****Science and Technology/Engineering is not part of the EPP requirement.

An EPP will be developed on the listed guidelines below for students who do not score proficient in the ELA or Mathematics subject area(s) exams:

A review of the student's strengths and weaknesses based on MCAS and other assessment results, coursework, grades, and teacher input;
The courses the student will be required to take and successfully complete in grades 11 and 12 in the relevant content area(s); and
A description of the assessments the school will administer to the student annually to determine whether s/he is making progress toward proficiency.
School districts have the option of including additional EPP requirements for individual students, such as school day attendance and participation in academic support programs.

For more information on Educational Proficiency Plans (EPP) Click Here

MCAS-Related Scholarships

Students who qualify for these scholarships will be notified by a letter, which will be sent to parents/guardians from your child's high school on behalf of the Department. This letter is important, because a copy must be submitted with the completed FAFSA application each year. Without this letter, the college/university will not apply the tuition credit. If you have questions or cannot locate your child's letter, please contact the high school.

Thank you for your interest, and for all you do to support your child's education.

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