Students in Massachusetts attending publicly-funded schools are required to participate in the annual MCAS testing beginning in grade 3 as stated in the 1993 Massachusetts Education Reform Law, state law M. G. L. Chapter 69, section 1I.  When needed, students are provided with accommodations and/or modifications consistent with those provided in the classroom to provide equitable access to all students.  You can click this link to learn more about the MCAS participation requirements.

 

Our Wrentham scholars in grades 3- 6 have already completed the ELA portion of MCAS and students across the grades worked diligently to apply what they have learned over the years to demonstrate their understanding.  During the month of May, students will participate in the Math MCAS in grades 3-6 and our fifth graders will also participate in the Science Technology & Engineering (STE) MCAS.  

  

MCAS provides a snapshot of student progress reflecting what each student knows and is able to do based on the questions asked on one particular day.  The MCAS results provide us with helpful information and feedback about curriculum and instruction, and can help us to identify particular areas for growth within a particular grade, school, or the district as a whole.  The results may also indicate areas for growth for particular students and can assist us in identifying supports that are necessary to close learning gaps between student groups and the aggregate.  This level of data analysis ensures that we are providing equitable access to the curriculum for each and every student.

 

For a deeper understanding of each individual's student's progress towards the grade level standards, we also look beyond MCAS.  For the individual student, we put the greatest weight on the evidence of student growth when working with teachers and specialists over the 180-day school year including, formal and informal assessment data as well as work samples that show students' growth over time.

 

The 2025 MCAS results will be published in the fall and the student reports will be sent home to families.  Each year, we analyze the results, look for strengths and areas for growth and this information is also shared with the community at a School Committee meeting.  If you wish to view the summary data of previous years, it is always accessible on the Massachusetts DESE website. 

 

If you have any questions about MCAS, please feel free to contact me by clicking the email button on the left.

 

Enjoy the time with the teachers and specialists you are able to meet with this week.  It is a great opportunity to celebrate all that your children have accomplished so far, and how we can continue to foster their learning through the rest of the year. 

As always, feel free to contact me with any questions you have by clicking the email button on the left side of this page.

Over the long Thanksgiving Holiday, some of our students were using their extra time to read.  Sometimes, over the holidays or vacations we may have extra time available to read, but it may be challenging to go to the library or store to get additional books for our avid readers.  As a Wrentham student, your child has access to the library collections through SAILS.   SAILS' mission is to provide resource sharing, direct and equal access, and meet every patron's needs, through cooperation, leadership, and technology.  Click this link to login to SAILS Kids.  There are print options, of course, but there are also audio, video, and online formats accessible as well.  (Tumblebooks also provides many ebooks and activities related to the books as well.)

 

Wishing all of our students, their families, and WPS staff a wonderful winter break with your family and friends!