Assessments

 

January 27, 2023

Dear Sophomore Families,
The purpose of this letter is to provide you with information about the 2023 English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics MCAS
exams scheduled to occur in March and May, respectively.

The ELA MCAS primary testing window is scheduled for Tuesday, March 28th and Wednesday, March 29th. In the event of extreme
weather or other unexpected circumstances, the testing would move to Thursday, March 30th and/or Friday, March 31st. 

The Mathematics MCAS primary testing window is scheduled for Tuesday, May 16th and Wednesday, May 17th. In the event of
extreme weather or other unexpected circumstances, the testing would move to Thursday, May 18th and/or Friday, May 19th. 

Please avoid scheduling appointments or other matters that would prevent your teen from attending school during any of the
MCAS dates in March and May. Students must be present on the scheduled test days to ensure an optimal testing experience.

The ELA & Mathematics MCAS exams will be administered on computers utilizing the Massachusetts Department of Elementary
& Secondary Education’s Computer-Based Testing platform. Students will participate in a tutorial on the online testing platform
during Career Enrichment classes in February and March. These tutorials will allow students to become familiar with the tools
available to them, as well as how to navigate through the test.

Beginning on Tuesday, February 2nd, students will be able to go to formal ELA MCAS Boot Camp. The review sessions led by BVT
English teachers after school. These sessions will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays in February. Students may see their English teacher
for more information and a schedule.

Beginning in April, students will be able to go to formal Mathematics MCAS Boot Camp. The review sessions led by BVT Math
teachers after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students may see their Math teacher for more information and a schedule.
The math review schedule will be released in March.

On each testing day before the exam begins, breakfast will be provided for students. Students must have their student ID
on their person for the duration of the testing. Students must also remember to bring their BVT-issued laptops to their testing
rooms fully charged.  

MCAS prohibited items like cell phones and other devices that access the internet, are prohibited in the testing rooms. Students
taking the MCAS must leave their cell phones and other internet-accessible electronic devices in their locked lockers or at
home on the days of the exam. Unauthorized electronic devices found in the testing room will be reported to the Massachusetts
Department of Elementary & Secondary Education. The Department reserves the right to invalidate testing results for individuals
and/or groups if irregularities such as electronic devices in the testing areas occur.

Additional MCAS links to practice tests, resources, and general information are available in the Parents & Students section under
the Assessments tab on our website. We will continue to work hard to prepare students for the English Language Arts MCAS exam
occurring in March and the Mathematics MCAS exam occurring in May. Information regarding the Science MCAS will be
delivered in a separate correspondence to the families of students who will be taking the science exam in June. 

Please contact me or our Assessment Coordinator, Stephen Grabowski with any questions.

Professionally,

       

          Edward Evans, III