Get information about the MCAS by speaking to your child's teacher at school. Browse the official MCAS website (see Resources) to understand what is expected of your child. The exams test knowledge of English, math, science and technology, engineering, history and social science. The test also evaluates English Language Art (ELA) by having students write a composition in response to a prompt.
Read and understand the format of the MCAS to help your child prepare her answers. The test uses five different types of questions: multiple-choice for all sections except the ELA section, short-answer for the math section, short-response for the Grade 3 ELA section, open-response for all sections except the ELA section and writing prompts for the ELA section.
Review the previous year's MCAS school report for your child. Identify areas where your child is weak. Speak to your child's teacher for feedback on performance in these areas during the current academic year. Study progress reports from the school and ask for tips on how you can support your child's efforts.
Speak to your child's teacher and find out if extra coaching is required on specific areas where she is weak. Ask about special classes the school conducts to help students with preparation or practice for the exam and enroll your child in them.
Prepare a timetable for regular study in consultation with your child. Encourage him to study in adherence to this schedule throughout the year, not just before the test. With younger children, you may need to sit alongside them to ensure they spend sufficient time studying.
Work with your child on using the right study techniques. For example, get your child to practice solving math problems using pen and paper and writing compositions on sample topics for the ELA section of the test. Review sample test questions on the MCAS official website (see Resources).