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McCarthy: Ending MCAS requirement benefits students and standards


McCarthy: Ending MCAS requirement benefits students and standards

As a teacher of 25 years in Massachusetts, I've witnessed firsthand the harm that high-stakes testing has on our students. As a parent, grandparent, and an educator, it sickens me to see the impact and hear the stories of the way the MCAS graduation requirement has undermined our high education standards, forced educators to teach to a test, limited critical thinking, and stacked the deck against students who may learn a little differently than others.

As a 5th-grade teacher, I refused to proctor the MCAS exams because of the harm I saw it had on students. I had one student cut themself from the stress of the testing, another who dangerously doubled up on his ADHD medication that day in an effort to perform better. It broke my heart, both as an educator and as a human to see this requirement at work.

Eventually, I left the classroom to work to create the change we need full-time -- to bring joy and individualized learning back into education, to ensure that teachers and schools are accountable to ALL students, not just to test scores, and to remove the MCAS graduation requirement once and for all.

This November, we finally have the chance to make this important goal a reality. So I write today to urge everyone to vote Yes on 2, and stand for high education standards not high stakes testing. Here's why:

The core issue with high-stakes testing like the MCAS is that it reduces a student's entire educational experience to a test score. No standardized test can measure a student's actual likelihood of future success -- it only measures who's good at taking a test.

True learning is far more complex than what can be captured in a multiple-choice format administered on a single day event. Moreover, standardized tests are notorious for putting students who are English Language Learners, those with learning disabilities, and students of color at a disadvantage. This isn't just about an academic shortfall; it's about fairness and equity.

The MCAS graduation requirement gives too much power to a standardized test. Replacing the MCAS graduation requirement will create a more balanced approach to accountability that allows other forms of student assessment like GPA, coursework and teacher feedback to determine graduation.

The stress associated with high-stakes testing is also a real concern. Our current system has created a testing environment that places immense pressure on students, robbing them of the joy of learning. Pediatricians and mental health professionals have highlighted how this stress adds on to an already tough time in young people's lives and exacerbates existing mental health issues, affecting students' well-being and overall performance.

Students are not just stressed about passing a test -- they are anxious about their future. They fear that a single test score could define their entire educational journey. Even the brightest students often struggle with standardized tests because they're afraid of getting a question wrong and are consumed by anxiety. This level of pressure is unnecessary and harmful. By voting Yes on Question 2, we can alleviate some of this stress, reducing the MCAS to its rightful place as simply one of many data points to consider in evaluating a student's preparedness, rather than allowing it to deny a student a diploma.

Another one of the unintended consequences of high-stakes testing is that it shifts the focus of education from comprehensive learning to test preparation. Teachers, under immense pressure to ensure students pass the MCAS, are forced to teach to the test rather than fostering critical thinking, group work skills, and creativity. This undermines the rich, holistic education that Massachusetts' standards are designed to support. Being good at answering multiple choice questions doesn't prepare anyone properly for success in the real world.

Our education system is built on high standards that already dictate our curriculum and classroom practices. The overemphasis on standardized testing distorts these standards. By removing the MCAS graduation requirement, we can ensure that teaching remains focused on developing well-rounded, thoughtful students, rather than merely preparing them for a test.

If approved by voters, Question 2 will not eliminate the MCAS but will change its role in our education system. The test itself is federally mandated and isn't going anywhere. But if Question 2 passes, instead of being a gatekeeper that determines whether a student can graduate, the MCAS will become just one of many tools used to assess student readiness. This means that a student's GPA, coursework, and teacher feedback will also be considered, providing a more comprehensive view of their abilities and potential.

This approach not only aligns with Massachusetts' high educational standards but also ensures that all students are evaluated fairly and inclusively. It acknowledges that no single test can fully measure a student's readiness for life after graduation. Because accountability in education is imperative. But we need to be accountable for ALL learners and the MCAS graduation requirement does more harm than good.

A high-stakes, one-size-fits-all test should not have the power to decide whether or not a student is allowed to graduate.

So Vote "yes" on Question 2 to return the focus to teaching to high standards, not a high-stakes test. Vote "yes" on 2 to stop a standardized test from overruling a student's work and a teacher's expertise. Vote "yes" on 2 to bring joy and individualized learning back into the classroom.

Join us in standing together to support our students and their brightest futures.

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