What your state tests
Massachusetts uses the MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System) in grades 3–8 and grade 10. The big news: in November 2024, voters passed Question 2, which removed the requirement that students pass the MCAS to graduate — effective immediately for the class of 2025. The MCAS is still given as an academic benchmark and for accountability; it just no longer gates a diploma. It's run by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
Which tests, which grades
- MCAS grades 3–8English language arts and mathematics each year; science at grades 5 and 8
- MCAS grade 10ELA, Mathematics, and a high-school Science & Technology/Engineering test
- MCAS-AltAlternate assessment for eligible students; ACCESS for ELLs for multilingual learners
Format & subjects
MCAS is computer-based (with paper for accommodations), combining multiple-choice, short-answer, and open-response items, including essays on ELA.
Is passing required to graduate?
No longer required to pass. Since Question 2 passed, students do not need to achieve a passing MCAS score to graduate. They must still participate in the assessment and complete their district's course and credit requirements. State leaders have discussed strengthening course requirements (e.g., MassCore) in place of the test mandate; check your district for its current diploma requirements.
How it's scored
MCAS reports performance levels — Not Meeting, Partially Meeting, Meeting, and Exceeding Expectations. With the graduation mandate removed, these levels are now used for school accountability and student feedback rather than gating a diploma.
Testing windows
MCAS is given in a spring window (grade 10 has spring administrations with retest options historically). Exact dates are set by DESE and your district.
How to prepare
- Released items & practiceDESE publishes released MCAS questions and practice tests matching the real format
- Course-aligned learningMCAS tests the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks
- Note the changeMCAS still matters for feedback and accountability even though it no longer gates graduation
Participation & opting out
Students in tested grades must participate in MCAS (that requirement remained after Question 2). Ask your district about specifics.
Accommodations & multilingual learners
Accommodations follow a student's IEP or 504 plan; eligible students take MCAS-Alt. Multilingual learners take ACCESS for ELLs and may receive designated supports.
Accountability & promotion
MCAS results drive Massachusetts' school and district accountability and give families a yearly snapshot. As of the class of 2025, they are no longer used to determine graduation.
Key facts
- TestMCAS (grades 3–8 and 10)
- 2024 changeGrad requirement removed by Question 2
- First affectedClass of 2025
- Still given?Yes — for accountability & feedback
- AgencyMA DESE
Where to learn more
Confirm current details — this recently changed — with the official source and your district: