This post offers some general suggestions for preparing for the MCAS 2.0 mathematics test. We suggest starting with an online practice test in a lower grade. Students should also make sure that they understand all elements of the online test. We discuss how to navigate through the test and how to familiarize yourself with the technology-enhanced questions. There are specific references for students to practice different types of technology-enhanced questions. This post also covers using the online test tools, such as the reference sheet and the equation editor.
This post covers some general tips for the poetry section of the ELA MCAS. We teach you some general tips for analyzing a poem and identify the important elements for understanding the poem’s meaning. We also provide two graphic organizers that you can use for poems that will help you focus your analysis. The last section provides tips for planning and implementing your test preparation.
This post provides advice on how to tackle one of the trickiest aspects of MCAS 2.0- text comparison. We give general strategies on how to compare and contrast excerpts. You will see that answering questions on two or more texts isn’t that much harder if you practice before the test.
This post focuses on general tips for doing your best on the MCAS ELA test. We provide a general overview of the test and describe the features of the MCAS ELA. Preparation is the key. If you know what to expect, you will have an advantage. Even if you took MCAS 2.0 in 8th grade, this blog will help you get ready for the 10th grade test. MCAS 2.0 is not like the tests you have taken before, so be sure to take the time to learn how to navigate the test and make efficient use of the online tools.
This post gives advice on how to use the formula page to answer math questions. We show how this handy tool can provide valuable information for answering questions. The formula page is particularly useful for geometry questions. There was a big increase in geometry questions last year, so make sure you know how to use the formula page.
“Constructed response” items seem to give students the most trouble on MCAS. This post examines an overlooked tool that is very helpful on constructed response questions. The post is geared for classroom instruction, but we give a step-by step guide to using the website with student responses. Practicing constructed response questions is very important. We show you how to use the student samples so that you will understand how the scoring works. You can do the exercise remotely with a friend and grade each other’s essays, or discuss the scored essays with a study pal. Don’t ignore this valuable tool: it will show you how to get some points for almost any answer to a constructed response question.