As with any assessment, there are important MCAS issues that need to be addressed. The test is designed to assess what Massachusetts students are expected to learn based on State Curriculum Frameworks. It is one of the most rigorous State tests in the country. It provides lots of information for educators to use to improve teaching and learning and for parents and the public to gauge how the schools are doing. There is unevenness among the tests.
Alignment is critical.
Recent changes in the math frameworks will require school districts to make some modifications in curriculum. Recent modifications in the science and social science frameworks have resulted in some confusion for school districts and questions about alignment. The new science standards have just been released and careful review is necessary before drawing conclusions. There is still widespread disagreement about the social science frameworks. The State Board set standards based on scale scores for each of the four performance levels.