Teachers Propose Grad Requirement to Replace MCAS
BOSTON – Educators, parents, and school administrators recently came together at the State House to discuss new ideas for graduation requirements that could replace the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) standardized testing. This conversation comes after a recent ballot vote that passed by a narrow margin, 51% to 49%, which eliminated MCAS as a graduation requirement. Now, the state is looking for alternative ways to measure student achievement and ensure educational standards are met.
The Citizens for Public Schools, a nonprofit organization focused on public education advocacy, has been leading forums to gather input from teachers, students, and community members. The goal is to create a new system that reflects the needs of both students and educators while maintaining academic rigor.
Max Page, president of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, emphasized that many states are moving away from standardized testing as a primary method of assessing student learning. “Standardized tests are an outdated and inaccurate way to measure how well students are learning,” he said. He argued that these tests place unnecessary pressure on students and teachers and do not fully capture a student’s abilities or potential.
Advocates believe that alternative methods could offer a more comprehensive approach to evaluating student progress. Some proposed options include performance assessment portfolios, where students compile work throughout the year to demonstrate their knowledge. Another idea is a passport or badge system, where students earn credentials based on specific skills or achievements. Other suggestions include having students teach a unit to younger grades, completing community service, or participating in internships.
Lisa Guisbond, president of the Massachusetts Education Justice Alliance, highlighted the importance of incorporating life skills into the curriculum. “We need to focus on critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and digital literacy,” she said. She added that these skills are essential for students to succeed in the modern world.
Despite these proposals, the governor’s council has suggested a replacement plan that still includes end-of-year testing. Critics argue that this approach simply swaps one high-stakes test for another, failing to address the core issues with standardized assessments.
The forums organized by Citizens for Public Schools are ongoing, with five more scheduled to continue the discussion. These events aim to gather diverse perspectives and ensure that the final decision reflects the needs of all stakeholders.
Local news highlights include:
- Holyoke hosted a bilingual forum for City Council candidates, providing a platform for community engagement and dialogue.
- Breast cancer awareness month continues to emphasize the importance of early detection in improving survival rates.
- Halloween events, such as “Bewitched: A Haunted Evening” at Springfield Museums, are drawing crowds for seasonal fun.
- A Lynn man won $600,000 after purchasing a Mass Cash ticket at Logan Airport.
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