Helpful Websites:

About MCAS
http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/about1.html

Pathways to Success on MCAS
http://www.doe.mass.edu/pathways

MCAS Prep and Enrichment Software:
Study Island - Subscription for Higgins families. 

MCAS Preview Test from the Boston Public Library
Click on BPL Teen Lounge.  Scroll down and select MCAS Practice Tests.

Learn-A-Test - Available with the Peabody Public Library Card

Strategies  for the MCAS Long Composition 
1.     Read your prompt and background information carefully.
2.     Underline material you will want to use in your essay from the background information.
3.     Before you begin writing, form a question or title for your essay to keep your writing focused.
4.     Use your favorite brainstorming tool to quickly get your thoughts organized.
5.     Make sure all paragraphs are indented.
6.     Create a strong opening  -- something that catches the MCAS reader’s attention. 
7.     Use complete sentences.
8.     Give as many supporting details as possible.
9.     Be sure to proofread your work several times.  First, carefully read the rough draft before you write the final copy. Next, proofread the final copy and then read the final copy again asking yourself if you answered the actual prompt.
10.   Before you rewrite the rough draft, make sure everything is spelled correctly - - especially those minimal competency words.
11.   Get a good night sleep.
12.   Eat a healthy breakfast that morning.
Be confident, you CAN do this!

Language Arts MCAS Test Seventh Grade Testing Strategies
1.  Read the directions carefully. As a matter of fact, read  e v e r y t h i n g!
While reading the actual selection, underline material that you will want to quickly refer back to - - anything important like footnotes, vocabulary words or important background information.
2. Read every multiple-choice option before making a selection.
3. Narrow your choices down when in doubt.
4. Vocabulary definitions – when in doubt use context clues.
5. Parts of speech question – read the sentence carefully!  Ask yourself, "what role is that word playing in this particular sentence?"
6. Open-ended questions- use details from the article to support your answer.  Also, remember to indent your paragraphs.
7. Open-ended questions – proofread to make sure you have actual details from the reading to support your answer.
8. For a poem – read it through two times.
9. Also for a poem – in your opening sentence, state the author, name and type of poem.
10.  Get a good night’s sleep.
11.  Eat a healthy breakfast that morning.
12.  Be confident, you CAN do this!