Everett student Emma Perry: Shame on a system that diminishes our self-worth
Everett student Emma Perry: Shame on a system that diminishes our self-worth
Everett High School student Emma Perry helped recruit students for the Yes on 2 campaign ads that are launching this week. She wrote the following:
Having the opportunity to be in the YES on 2 commercial was very important to my friends and me. Since we are not yet old enough to cast a vote to eliminate MCAS as a graduation requirement, being in this commercial allowed us to have a voice, and for that we are grateful.
My mom had always told me she could opt me out of testing during my elementary school years, but I always insisted I wanted to take the test. I needed to prove to myself I was a good student, and in my brainwashed mind, I could only do that if I passed MCAS. Because isn't the only reason we go to school is to take and pass MCAS? I can now look back and see how foolish those ideals were, but to fourth-grade me, it was my reality.
“Shame on a system that diminished my friend's self-worth over one point on a standardized test.”
Emma Perry, Everett High School student
When I was in eighth grade, my mom opted me out of MCAS because of unrealistic Covid expectations. I was originally so nervous to be singled out for not taking the test, but there were five of my fellow peers also not taking MCAS. The world didn't end because I didn't take the test. I still graduated eighth grade with honors and received the principal's award. The thing that did happen by opting out, was it allowed me to feel like I had the power to stand up for what I believe in. For the first time I was able to participate in democracy and it felt empowering.
The second thing that disillusioned my view of MCAS was that one of my best friends failed her biology MCAS in her freshman year. I watched as she became angry and withdrawn. Her self esteem was low. She felt different and singled out by her inability to pass the test. I saw my usually happy and bubbly friend become angry and confrontational. This test took something away from her. Determined to prove them wrong, she took it one more time and she finally passed! Although we are all extremely proud of her, should we be celebrating that she finally passed Biology MCAS? Of course not. We should be proud of all her accomplishments every day, and not categorize her as a test score. Shame on a system that diminished my friend's self-worth over one point on a standardized test.
No students should experience what my friend had to go through, or feel the anxiety I do about MCAS. This is why it is so important to VOTE YES ON 2. Students are getting the message out that we are more than a test score!
Future First – Yes on 2
Voting YES on 2 means we can maintain Massachusetts' excellent education standards *and* help students prepare for their futures. It means students can focus on high standards, not high stakes.
Future First – Yes on 2
Say Yes on Question 2
Why are educators knocking on doors across the state this summer?
