MCAS cheat sheet

Next-generation MCAS ELA performance levels are Exceeding Expectations, Meeting Expectations, Partially Meeting Expectations, and Not Meeting Expectations.

ELA tests require reading literary and informational texts and answering multiple-choice, short-response, and essay items.

A theme is a universal message about life; a central idea is the main point of an informational text. Both must be supported by textual evidence.

When analyzing an argument, identify the claim, reasons, evidence, and any counterclaim or rebuttal.

Common text structures are chronological, cause-effect, compare-contrast, problem-solution, and description; structure affects meaning.

Point of view includes first person, third-person limited, and third-person omniscient; it shapes what the reader knows.

Figurative language includes simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, and idiom; interpret it nonliterally.

Writing standards across grades 3–8 and 10 include narrative, informational/explanatory, and argument/opinion writing with grade-level conventions.

For short constructed responses, state an idea, cite evidence, and explain the link.

Area formulas: rectangle A = lw; triangle A = ½bh; circle A = πr²; volume of rectangular prism V = lwh.

Pythagorean theorem: for right triangles, a² + b² = c², where c is the hypotenuse.

Slope formula: m = (y₂ − y₁)/(x₂ − x₁); a linear function has equation y = mx + b.

Quadratic formula: x = (−b ± √(b² − 4ac))/(2a) for ax² + bx + c = 0.

Exponent rules: aᵐ · aⁿ = aᵐ⁺ⁿ; aᵐ/aⁿ = aᵐ⁻ⁿ; (aᵐ)ⁿ = aᵐⁿ; a⁰ = 1 (a ≠ 0).

Similar figures have congruent corresponding angles and proportional corresponding sides; scale factor applies to lengths.

Probability of an event = number of favorable outcomes / total number of equally likely outcomes.

Mean = sum of values ÷ number of values; median is the middle value in ordered data; IQR = Q3 − Q1.

For a function, each input has exactly one output; the vertical line test checks whether a graph is a function.

Grade 5 STE covers Earth and space science, life science, physical science, and technology/engineering.

Grade 8 STE covers matter, motion, forces, energy, life science, Earth science, and engineering design.

High school STE includes Biology, Chemistry, Introductory Physics, and Technology/Engineering.

Speed = distance/time; acceleration = change in velocity/time; force = mass × acceleration (F = ma).

Density = mass/volume; kinetic energy = ½mv²; potential energy near Earth = mgh.

In an experiment, the independent variable is changed, the dependent variable is measured, and controlled variables are kept constant.

Atomic number = number of protons; mass number = protons + neutrons; isotopes have the same protons but different neutrons.

Natural selection requires variation, heritability, differential survival/reproduction, and adaptation to environment.

The engineering design process includes defining the problem, researching, designing, building, testing, and iterating.

Grade 5 History/Social Science focuses on early U.S. history, geography, colonies, the American Revolution, and the Constitution.

Grade 8 History/Social Science covers U.S. history from the founding era through Reconstruction, including government and economics.

High school courses include Civics, U.S. History, and World History; civics emphasizes the Constitution and citizen participation.

The Constitution divides power among legislative, executive, and judicial branches with checks and balances.

Federalism divides power between the national government and state governments; the Bill of Rights protects individual liberties.

Historical thinking skills include sourcing, contextualization, corroboration, and close reading of primary and secondary sources.

Primary sources are first-hand accounts from the period; secondary sources interpret or analyze primary sources.

Economic concepts include scarcity, opportunity cost, supply and demand, and incentives.

In a democracy, civic participation includes voting, petitioning, serving on juries, and contacting representatives.