The question many will vote on this November…should MCAS be a graduation requirement?

To begin, the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System also known as “MCAS” is a standardized test that has been a graduation requirement in public schools since the 1990s. Students from grades three to ten embark on two-day long exams ranging from English Language Arts and Mathematics, to Civics and Biology. A combination of multiple choice and open response questions are presented, as students have the opportunity to use the entire school day to complete the exam. While this system has been set in place for several years, recent speculation regarding this topic has sparked debates on the relevance of the test. Those who vote in favor of this question support eliminating passing the test as a graduation requirement, though students would still complete the exam. Opponents want to have MCAS remain as a graduation requirement.

I believe that the MCAS graduation requirement should be eradicated, due to the potentially distorted test results from factors rooted in mental health issues. Many students argue that mental health issues largely contribute to the performance of one’s test results. Anxiety and  depression, along with the large motive to meet high expectations, often prevents test takers from performing to their best ability, skewing the collected data. Additionally, this may jeopardize their likeness to pass the exam, which potentially may further worsen these issues. I understand this difficult situation, as these mental health struggles are unpredictable, and essentially out of our control. Therefore, creating the alternative where students would not have to pass the exam, though would still need to complete it rather than eliminating the test as a whole, will be extremely beneficial. Possibly implementing a system that may accommodate certain needs can decrease skewed test results, increasing the accuracy of data. For example, providing extended time, and suggested snack and movement breaks can allow for brief “brain breaks”, giving students time to rest their minds, as MCAS requires an immense amount of mental capacity. Creating a comfortable testing environment will likely decrease the timidness and stress circulating student’s minds when completing this exam. 

I recently had a conversation with Winthrop Middle School teacher, Ms. Houstle, and we discussed the confusion that many have surrounding this question. She shared how several people believed voting in favor will entirely eliminate the standardized test, though in reality,  just the graduation requirement may be taken away, and students will continue to complete the exam. It is important as a society to recognize this when voting. 

Furthermore, having students complete MCAS – not necessarily as a graduation requirement – can act as a benchmark for schools to aim to remain in line with. Specifically, there is a general curriculum all Massachusetts public schools are required to follow, though who’s to say these establishments are actually doing so? This can function as a gentle reminder to teachers and administration, ensuring education is up-to-date. This will guarantee all students receive the proper education prior to graduation. Additionally, this data can continue to be utilized in measuring schools’ personal test performances, revealing areas of growth. Furthermore, this allows for more consistency among the academics of public schools within Massachusetts. With this all being said, if the graduation requirement is lifted, there is also the large possibility of warped data due to students lack of effort. In spite of this, it will be crucial to emphasize the importance of students performing to their best ability, as this will maintain accurate results.  

Overall, restructuring the motive of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System by removing the graduation requirement is likely the best alternative to the current exam. There are still benefits in having students complete this exam, as this allows for the collection of widespread data among Massachusetts public schools. I am hopeful that outside factors will play smaller roles in test results, allowing for the continuing analysis of data.