SOUTHWICK – Students will have yet another test to take in the spring of 2017.
This one will be a combination of the MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System) and PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) and will eliminate the tests currently administered.
Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional Schools Superintendent John Barry announced the approval of the next generation MCAS this week. The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) approved DESE Commissioner Micthell D. Chester’s recommendation for MCAS 2.0 Nov. 17.
“The approach I have recommended lets us continue to benefit from the high-quality, next-generation PARCC assessment in which we’ve invested a great deal of time and effort. But it also ensures that the assessment will reflect the Commonwealth’s unique needs and concerns, Chester wrote in his recommendation.
The hybrid test is the first major assessment overhaul since MCAS was established nearly two decades ago.
Barry, who has spoken out against the numerous tests students take, said the district will have to look at its computer stations because the new test will be primarily administered on computers.
“There will be a paper test available,” he added.
MCAS is a written test while PARCC is computer-driven.
DESE also voted Tuesday to extend the “hold harmless” provision an extra year. It means districts and schools using a new test will not be downgraded for poor test results in 2017, as well as 2016.
MCAS will remain the required test for high school graduation through at least the class of 2019, meaning that sophomores will still take it in spring 2017.
The education board expects all schools to give the new test on computer by 2019.
