Massachusetts High School MCAS Chemistry and Technology/Engineering Assessments Update
"Explore the latest updates on the Massachusetts high school MCAS Chemistry and Technology/Engineering Assessments, including testing participation rates, proposed phase-out plan, and future test offerings in biology and introductory physics. Stay informed about changes in STEM testing requirements and opportunities for high school students in Massachusetts."
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Presentation Transcript
High School MCAS Chemistry and Technology/Engineering Assessments Board of Elementary and Secondary Education December 17, 2021
Background on MCAS High School Science and Technology/Engineering (STE) Tests Students in the class of 2010 and beyond were the first class required to take and pass an STE test in one of four subject areas o Biology, chemistry, introductory physics, technology/engineering 2016 - Adoption of new STE frameworks o DESE begins developing next-generation biology and introductory physics tests and considering future of chemistry and technology/engineering tests due to low and declining participation Spring 2022 First planned administration of next-generation tests in biology and introductory physics (delayed from 2020 due to COVID) 2 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
MCAS Participation Rates and Course Taking by Subject Area Number of students participating in testing Course Taking Introductory Physics Technology/ Engineering Technology/ Engineering Year Biology Chemistry Chemistry 2015 2,709 1,168 51,103 16,061 2016 2,807 879 51,903 15,378 2017 2,601 769 27,951 70,706 53,432 14,178 2018 2,357 459 27,991 72,069 54,391 15,512 2019 1,931 388 27,786 70,012 54,490 14,891 2020 26,682 69,208 No spring STE testing 2021 410 31 23,594 67,814 36,440 11,577 Only 9thgraders needed to participate in 2021 3 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Proposed Phase-Out Plan and Summary of Recommendations Continue offering the chemistry and technology/engineering tests for two additional years (spring 2022 and spring 2023) o Class of 2025 (9thgraders) may take the tests at the end of 9th or 10th grade o Students in the class of 2025 and earlier may continue to submit performance appeals in chemistry and technology/engineering o High schools are afforded time to adjust their course sequences if needed For students in the class of 2026 and beyond, only tests in biology and introductory physics would be offered. All students will have the opportunity to take biology and introductory physics tests or retests two times per year (February and June) o February introductory physics testing begins in 2023 4 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Timeline / Next Steps December 2021 BESE Meeting: Discussion January 2022 BESE Meeting: Discussion and vote January/February: Notification to schools and districts oTargeted communications to districts that are most affected 5 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
