Mass. school counselors support the campaign to replace the MCAS high school graduation requirement
Mass. school counselors support the campaign to replace the MCAS high school graduation requirement
The following statement is attributed to the Massachusetts School Counselors Association:
The Massachusetts School Counselors Association supports the campaign to replace the MCAS high school graduation requirement with a fairer, more authentic demonstration that a student has completed coursework showing mastery of the skills and knowledge aligned with the state’s academic standards.
High-stakes testing is not conducive to a learning environment that meets the social and emotional as well as the academic needs of every student. Massachusetts public schools have excellent standards and curriculum frameworks. Removing the punitive aspects of the MCAS will allow our educators to present students with challenging work that fosters growth and inspires a love of learning – which is what we want happening in our schools.
The narrow focus of MCAS and the high stakes attached to test results have changed the student experience, and not for the better. The requirement each year blocks approximately 700 students who have otherwise completed their coursework from receiving a diploma and has overemphasized the role of standardized testing at every grade level.
MASCA joins the coalition of educators, parents and public-school advocates calling for Massachusetts schools to maintain the high standards and end the high stakes.