"Children who are tested are children who are taught."

MCAS was implemented in response to the Massachusetts Education Reform Law of 1993 and No Child Left Behind
(NCL B). These laws require state-wide high stakes testing to assure educational accountability. This accountability encourages high standards for everyone and requires that all of our children have access to the general curriculum.

All Massachusetts children participate in MCAS including children with special needs and children with limited English proficiency. The majority of children with special needs take the standard MCAS with accommodations. However, a small percentage takes the alternate assessment which is a portfolio assessment.

> Back to more Education Topics