Release of Spring 2025 MCAS Test Items - Grade 7 English Language Arts Paper-Based Test - Overview

Sep 30, 2026

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Release materials for the spring 2025 Grade 7 English Language Arts paper-based MCAS test, prepared by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The document explains test administration formats, outlining how operational items align across computer-based and paper-based versions using adapted technology-enhanced questions. It summarizes test sessions, content strands (Reading, Writing, Language), reporting categories, and the structure of selected-response and essay questions. It also specifies authorized reference materials and provides released items with associated reading passages.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages35

Reading Time1 h 28 min

AccessFree to download

Overview of Grade 7 English Language Arts Test

Test Sessions and Content Overview

Standards and Reporting Categories

Reference Materials

Directions

Release of Spring 2025 MCAS Test Items from the Grade 7 English Language Arts Paper-Based Test June 2025 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education This document was prepared by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Patrick Tutwiler Interim Commissioner The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, an affirmative action employer, is committed to ensuring that all of its programs and facilities are accessible to all members of the public. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Inquiries regarding the Department’s compliance with Title IX and other civil rights laws may be directed to the Human Resources Director, 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149. Phone: 781-338-6105. © 2025 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Permission is hereby granted to copy for non-commercial educational purposes any or all parts of this document with the exception of English Language Arts passages that are not designated as in the public domain. Permission to copy all other passages must be obtained from the copyright holder. Please credit the“Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.” Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149 Phone 781-338-3000 TTY: N.E.T. Relay 800-439-2370 [www.doe.mass.edu](www.doe.mass.edu) Overview of Grade 7 English Language Arts Test The spring 2025 grade 7 English Language Arts (ELA) test was administered in two formats: a computer-based version and a paper-based version. Most students took the computer-based test. The paper-based test was offered as an accommodation for eligible students who were unable to use a computer. More information can be found on the MCASTest Administration Resources page [at](at www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/admin.html)[ ](at www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/admin.html)[www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/admin.html](at www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/admin.html). Most of the operational items on the grade 7 ELA test were the same, regardless of whether a student took the computerbased version or the paper-based version. In places where a technology-enhanced item was used on the computer-based test, an adapted version of the item was created for use on the paper test. These adapted paper items were multiple-choice or multiple-select items that tested the same ELA content and assessed the same standard as the technology-enhanced item. This document displays released items from the paper-based test, along with associated reading passages. Released items from the computer-based test are available on the MCAS Resource Center website at[mcas.onlinehelp.cognia.org/released-items](mcas.onlinehelp.cognia.org/released-items). Test Sessions and Content Overview The grade 7 ELA test was made up of two separate test sessions. Each session included reading passages, followed by selected-response questions and essay questions. On the paper-based test, the selected-response questions were multiplechoice items and multiple-select items, in which students select the correct answer(s) from among several answer options. Standards and Reporting Categories The grade 7 ELA test was based on grades 6–12 learning standards in three content strands ofthe Massachusetts Curriculum Framework for English Language Arts and Literacy (2017), listed below. • Reading • Writing • Language The Massachusetts Curriculum Framework for English Language Arts and Literacy is available on the Department website [at](at www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks/current.html)[ ](at www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks/current.html)[www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks/current.html](at www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks/current.html). ELA test results are reported under three MCAS reporting categories, which are identical to the three framework content strands listed above. The tables at t

FAQs

What formats were used for the spring 2025 Grade 7 ELA MCAS test?

The test was administered in a computer-based version and a paper-based version. Most students took the computer-based test, while the paper-based test was offered as an accommodation for eligible students unable to use a computer.

How are operational items handled between computer-based and paper-based versions?

Operational items were mostly the same across formats. Where technology-enhanced items were used on the computer-based test, adapted paper versions were created as multiple-choice or multiple-select items testing the same ELA content and standards.

What reference materials were allowed during the ELA test sessions?

Authorized bilingual word-to-word dictionaries and glossaries were allowed for students who are currently or were ever reported as English learners. No other reference materials were permitted.

Sep 30, 2026

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