WATERTOWN – Things have changed for students in Massachusetts after voters approved Ballot Question 2, which eliminates the requirement of passing the MCAS for high school graduation.
MCAS “not an accurate assessment”
“Good for kids like mine,” said Watertown parent Sara Keary, who has two children in elementary school. One of them has ADHD and dyslexia and took the MCAS last year. “Coming home, feeling anxious in spite of having accommodations.”
Students can take the exam multiple times and receive extra help but for Keary, that help can backfire.
“The increase in test anxiety, self-esteem,” said Keary. “That can accumulate and then not be an accurate assessment of their performance on the actual test.”
But after an election night win, the test will no longer stand between students and a high school diploma.
“Voters have proclaimed that they are ready to let teachers teach and students learn without the onerous effects of a high-stakes standardized test,” said the Massachusetts Teachers Association in a statement.