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MCAS Information
All students must pass three Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System tests to receive a diploma from a Massachusetts public high school. Students must pass MCAS tests in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science. WRHS students take the ELA and Mathematics MCAS tests in spring of the 10th grade. WRHS students take a science MCAS test in June of the 9th grade. Most WRHS freshmen will take the Physics MCAS test; others will take either Technology/Engineering or Biology, depending on the curriculum they are following.
Students who do not pass an MCAS test, who miss a regularly scheduled MCAS test, or who transfer to WRHS without having passed the required high school MCAS tests, must take a retest. Those retests are given fall, winter, and early spring. The 2011-2012 MCAS retests in Mathematics and English Language Arts are completed for the school year. There are no retests for science tests; students must take a regularly scheduled science MCAS test in February or June.
2012 MCAS Test Schedule and Practice
Sophomores will take the Grade 10 MCAS Math test May 21 and 22. Students will report to the same room in which they took the ELA MCAS test in March. Room assignment lists will be posted in the cafeteria and outside the main office the week before the test. Math MCAS Tutorials
Students will take the Science MCAS test June 5 and 6. Most freshmen will take the Physics test (Physics MCAS Study Guide). Some students will take the Biology, Technology/Engineering, or Chemistry MCAS tests, depending on their current course of study.
The complete MCAS Testing Schedule lists all Massachusetts standardized tests for the 2011-2012 school year. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education MCAS website offers more information about the state's testing requirements and has resources to help students prepare. Among these resources are MCAS tests from previous years. The released tests below, which also contain answer keys, can help students see the material covered and the types of questions asked on each MCAS test.
Students who score in the Needs Improvement category of MCAS (220 to 238) must complete the provisions of an Educational Proficiency Plan as developed by the school and outlined below.
Questions regarding MCAS testing may be directed to WRHS MCAS testing coordinator Michael O'Sullivan, by phone at 508-829-6771 ext. 1649, or by e-mail.
Educational Proficiency Plans
Federal law requires that all students display proficiency in math and English. On the MCAS tests, students show proficiency with a score of 240 or above. For students who score between 220 and 238 (in the Needs Improvement category) on the MCAS, the school will develop an Educational Proficiency Plan.
Students on an EPP must complete certain requirements in order to display proficiency. First, students may show proficiency by attaining a score of 240 or above on EPP tests given in the spring. Students who do not "test off" their EPP must fulfill the requirements outlined on their EPP.
The EPP in both math and English will contain three things: a listing of the student's strengths and weaknesses as shown on the MCAS test; a list of the courses the student will take during his remaining time at WRHS; and a list of the common assessments he will take.
The student will have shown proficiency by successfully completing the required coursework and the common assessments as outlined on his EPP.
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