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DOE News Page

MCAS News Boston Globe MCAS News Daily MCAS Updates Learn about the law that is driving the MCAS Testing initiative: No Child Left Behind NCLB Debate Links (PBS)   NCLB is having a huge impact on schools and districts with schools          that are identified as in need of improvement. More  ideas for improving schools including toolkits for  students. Assessment and Accountability Steps for developing a school improvement plan. Department of Education Accountability and Targeted Assistance site.   Find out about NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) and  more about Standards, Assessment and Accountability.   Getting Grants  Retest Participation MCAS Alternative Assessment Requirements      Individual Student Success Plans

      MCAS FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions from our readers:

Are the MCAS Tests helping to improve academic achievement in our schools? Where can I learn more about this debate?

Yes:  Mass Insight Page

No:   National Education Association proposes alternatives to high stakes testing.

I'm a parent, and I'm interested in becoming involved in MCAS issues in my community. How can I get involved in helping our teachers and children with preparation for the tests?

MCAS Mentor has a Parent Resource Center page too. We hope it's useful to you. 

Where can I get copies of old MCAS Tests that might be useful in test preparation classes?

    Copies of past MCAS tests can be downloaded from the Department of Education Website at http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/testitems.html

Where can I find information about my (teacher) certification requirements? Is there a test I have to take?

    Information about teacher tests can be found on the DOE website here: http://www.doe.mass.edu/mtel/

    Teachers need to know that districts often require a recertification plan from each teacher. Ask your building Principal about the need for a plan. He/she may want you to outline your plans for professional development. Be aware of the requirements for PDP's (Professional Development Points) and opportunities available to you to get these points to add to your recertification portfolio. Online PDP providers.

    The office of teacher certification and credentialing has its own website at: http://www.doe.mass.edu/educators/e_license.html. Information about retirement issues can be found here: http://www.state.ma.us/mtrb/

How do I get PDP's? http://www.doe.mass.edu/pd/

http://www.fcatmentor.com

http://www.ogtprep.com