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 fall MCAS retest in Mathematics is scheduled at WRHS for Nov. 9 and 14. The ELA MCAS retest is scheduled for Nov. 15, 16, and 17. There are no retests for science tests; students must take a regularly scheduled science MCAS test in February or June.

Full MCAS Test Schedule and Practice

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. These released tests, 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.