LHS MCAS and AP updates

Considering the MCAS’s cancellation last year, many people have been wondering what the fate of these routine standardized tests would be this year. Current 11th graders, who did not take the MCAS last spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic, along with 10th graders, are due to take the test in May. The ELA portion of the exam will be administered on Tuesday, May 4th, and Wednesday, May 5th for both grade-levels, and the mathematics portion will be administered on the 11th and 12th of May for both grades. The tests will be computer-based and will be taken in the classroom. 

On the MCAS days, only students that are testing (10th graders and 11th graders that choose to take the test) will attend school in person. All non-testing students will be remote on those days and will attend school asynchronously. After testing, all students will return to normal classes in synchronous remote sessions for the remainder of the day. The testing rooms will be chosen based on cohort, and masks are required.

As of now, AP tests will continue as planned, with LHS deciding to administer the online version of the exam. Testing dates will vary, but students who have registered for the exams should have already received emails confirming the testing dates. Students can also check their AP classroom profiles to see the logistical testing details. Additionally, AP tests will continue until the week after seniors graduate, which may inconvenience some students. The remote testing option means that students will also be unable to move back and forth between questions, and have a singular chance to answer each question. AP classroom has recently updated the testing website’s design, so you can sign onto your profile to familiarize yourself with the format. 

All in all, the pandemic has impacted many different aspects of students’ lives, but we have to power through! There are many resources online that students can use to study for these tests, and with all of the hard work and preparation under our belts, we’ve got this!

by GRACE OU