Threat of Winter Storm Postpones Tuesday MCAS Testing

With much of Massachusetts expecting a winter storm Tuesday, and with it the possibility of numerous school closings or delayed openings, the MCAS English Language Arts Composition test for students in grades 4, 7 and 10 has been postponed until Monday, March 25, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education announced on its website. 

Originally this composition test was scheduled for Tuesday, March 19, but in an effort to make sure all schools administer the test on the same day, "all schools must administer the ELA Composition test to students in grades 4, 7, and 10 on Monday, March 25, including schools that are not affected by the weather," according to a memo from Elizabeth Davis, Associate Commissioner of Student Assessment.

Newton Superintendent David Fleishman clarified Monday afternoon that it was the state's call to postpone the test and not the district's decision.

If there is school on Tuesday, any ELA Reading Comprehension test sessions that are scheduled may be administered, just not the ELA Composition test.

The following note was sent to Newton parents Monday afternoon:

Weather permitting, tomorrow will still be a full day in Newton.In anticipation of severe weather that may result in numerous school closings and delayed openings tomorrow, Tuesday, March 19 (which is the date scheduled for the MCAS ELA Composition test), the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has decided to postpone the administration of the MCAS ELA Composition test until Monday, March 25.  All schools must administer the ELA Composition test to students in grades 4, 7, and 10 on Monday, March 25, including schools that are not affected by the weather.

Click here for more information from the Mass. DOE. 

As of this afternoon, forecasts indicate Newton could get up to 8 inches of snow overnight Monday into Tuesday. 

Newton has had five snow days so far this year, with a last day of school for students currently planned for June 25.