The 2024 US Presidential election has just ended and leaving many people in wonder of what comes next. Most Americans are probably still processing on the results and divides that have surfaced and so does it for non-Americans living in the States. This election, however, was not only about the candidates that they chose but also the critical decisions about the state priority policies that voters can directly influence. This particular policy is indeed different in each state depending on their own priorities. What is interesting to discuss is another significant change in Massachusetts that deserve notice where in this year, voters went against Standardized Test for High School Graduation.

For this topic, we will be referring to two news articles discussing this topic as our reference; The New York Times on Massachusetts, Famed for Tough School Standards, Rethinks Its Big Test by Troy Closson (Published October 27, 2024) and Rhode Island Current on Voters in Massachusetts end MCAS graduation test requirement by Michael Jonas (Published: November 6, 2024).

Picture from Rhode Island Current News

The New York Times provide ‘historical background’ on how Standardized Test known as the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) have been implemented so far. They explain that the exam aims to boost achievement by raising standards and to signal to colleges and employers that students were prepared. But many states moved away from the exams over the last decade, believing that offering more options to prove skills could benefit disadvantaged students. ” Massachusetts is one of only nine states applied the exit test. The Rhode Island news on the other hand, use different lens to inform this case, captured the campaigns that people conducted and experts insights of the ballot.

The Cons 

The opponents of the ballot argue that removing the test requirement could lower the overall academic standards or expectations for high school students. Their concern is that without the test, there might be less motivation for schools to ensure students achieve the same level of academic excellence, potentially disadvantaging struggling students even further. Struggling students might be pushed through the system without gaining necessary skills if no standardized assessment holds schools accountable for students’ academic growth. As added by Rhode Island News  that “Of the roughly 65,000 high school seniors each year in the state, only about 1 percent, or about 700 students, fail to graduate because of MCAS after meeting all other district requirements.” The opponents argue that “standard test” should be in place and children should work to achieve that. This is what they believe motivates the students to learn and probably at the same time motivates the teachers to teach.

The following argument presents a problematic perspective: “About 85 percent of those students are English learners or students with disabilities.” In my view, this reasoning overlooks the unique challenges faced by these children. It is inconsiderate to group them with their peers without acknowledging the specific needs and issues faced by these “minority” groups.

The Pros 

The pros from both news perspective advocate for moving beyond a “one size fits all” standardized test for children. They argue that essential skills, which cannot be measured solely on paper, are crucial. Page, the MTA’s current president, darkly characterized the state testing system as the “MCAS hunger games…Pagealso railed against what he called the board’s “focus on income and college and career readiness,” which he said, “speaks to a system that is tied to the capitalist class and its needs for profits.” (Rhode Island news)

The proponents criticized standardized testing systems for being closely tied to human capital objectives, treating children as tools for economic growth rather than as individuals. For this matter, I believe it is time to rethink the nature of testing itself. What are your thoughts? Is the standardized test still relevant for measuring children’s competencies?

References:

Massachusetts, famed for tough school standards, rethinks its big test. (2024, October 27). The New York Times. Retrieved November 8, 2024, from https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/27/us/massachusetts-mcas-test-high-school.html

Jonas, M. (2024b, November 6). Voters in Massachusetts end MCAS graduation test requirement. Rhode Island Current. https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2024/11/06/voters-end-mcas-graduation-test-requirement/