Ballot question asks if MCAS should be eliminated as high school graduation requirement
(WJAR) — Since 1993, public school students in Massachusetts have been required to pass the MCAS exam in order to receive their high school diploma.
“That single statewide standard for graduation is really the most meaningful and sole requirement to determine if students are ready to go forward,” Ed Lambert with the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education said.
But in November, this tradition could end.
Voters will have a ballot question to decide if the MCAS exam should be eliminated as a requirement for graduation.
“Their skills are being reduced to a test,” said Deb McCarthy with the Massachusetts Teachers Association. “Students are able to demonstrate knowledge and competency without high stakes.”
The debate began to heat up after a campaign titled “Yes on Question 2” released itsfirst official ad Tuesday morning.
The video advocated for the elimination of the test as a requirement for graduation, but some did not agree.
“We really want to make sure that every student in Massachusetts is ready for that next step in their life, MCAS is one of the things that allows us to have that guarantee of quality of high standards,” said Mary Tamer with the Democrats for Educators Reform Massachusetts.
Groups against the elimination said if this question passes, it could remove the high quality education that the state is known for and could lower expectations for students.
Ballot question asks if MCAS should be eliminated as high school graduation requirement. (WJAR)
Advocates who want the elimination think the opposite.
“The MCAS will still be given, the only thing that will be removed is the high stake of a one time exam that prevents all learners to thrive in,” said McCarthy as she explained why she wants the exam to be eliminated as a requirement. “This is removing the high stakes, but not the high standards.”
It’s now up to voters to say yes or no.
The November ballot question would keep the MCAS, but passing the test would no longer be required to earn a high school diploma.
“Instead of throwing out a system that has worked for tens and hundreds of thousands of kids, “said Lambert. “We really need to make sure every kid is able to cross that finish line.”