What schools can do now to support performance and accountability
by Joan Reissman
The ELA MCAS testing window opens March 23 (grades 3–8) and March 24 (grade 10). Graduation requirements may have changed — but MCAS still matters.
Why MCAS Still Matters
MCAS scores remain a major factor in how Massachusetts evaluates schools.
They drive the state’s Accountability Report, which measures:
- Overall academic achievement
- Academic growth
- High school completion
- English learner progress
- Chronic absenteeism
- Advanced course completion
Schools are ranked statewide. Lower rankings can lead to:
- Required improvement plans
- Targeted state assistance
- Loss of enrollment and funding
- In severe cases, state receivership
Academic achievement and growth — the core measures — are based on MCAS.
It’s still the Commonwealth’s only standardized academic benchmark.
Rankings Affect Real Outcomes
- Grades 3–8: MCAS = 80% of accountability rating
- High School: MCAS = 60%
Lower performance can reduce enrollment.
Lower enrollment reduces funding.
And when closures are considered, performance data matters.
MCAS Also Guides State Decisions
MCAS results help Massachusetts:
- Track recovery from pandemic learning loss
- Compare districts and student groups fairly
- Identify achievement gaps
- Direct funding and academic support
2025 data show recovery remains uneven:
- Most districts are still below 2019 levels
- Of 300+ districts statewide, only 13 have restored both ELA and math performance
Without MCAS, the state would lack a consistent way to target recovery resources.
How Schools Can Prepare — Even Now
With just weeks remaining, targeted preparation can still make a difference.
It takes only a few more correct answers to raise a performance level.
JFY helps schools focus on what matters most:
Target Frequently Tested Standards
Each year, JFY analyzes high-frequency standards and builds focused practice aligned to MCAS question types.
Students practice:
- Passage-based reading questions
- Technology-enhanced item types
- MCAS-style writing prompts
Practice Test Mechanics
Not all students are comfortable with digital test tools.
Students and teachers can use state resources:
- Practice platform and tutorials (English & Spanish)
- Grade-level released item tests
- Group practice options
- Paper-based versions where needed
Reinforcing mechanics helps students use all available tools effectively.
Writing: A Major Opportunity
ELA includes two essay questions worth 16 points — nearly 30% of the total score.
Yet many students skip them.
Even a short response can earn points.
And a few points can raise performance levels.
2025 Essay Completion Rates
Too many students are leaving points on the table.
Practice Is Essential
Writing improves through practice — not shortcuts.
JFY supports schools with:
- Archived MCAS writing prompts
- Custom prompt development
- AI essay evaluation aligned to MCAS rubrics
JFY’s AI writing tool provides:
- Organization and clarity feedback
- Grammar and mechanics review
- Idea development analysis
- Rubric-aligned scoring guidance
Teachers receive actionable reports to guide revision and instruction.
Students gain confidence through real MCAS-style practice.
One More Time: Why MCAS Still Matters
MCAS remains Massachusetts’ primary tool for:
- Accountability
- Academic diagnosis
- Educational equity
Recovery from learning loss is ongoing — but progress is possible.
Schools that focus on:
- High-frequency standards
- Passage-based practice
- Test mechanics
- Writing participation
can still make measurable gains.
A few more correct answers can change performance levels.
Strategies started now can drive even greater results next year.
JFY is available to support planning for this spring and beyond.
Info@JFYNet.org
Joan Reissman, the MCAS Maven, is a veteran JFYNetWorks learning specialist.
Other posts authored by Joan can be found here.
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