Briefing: The End Of MCAS?

Last week, The Boston Globe reported that state officials are preparing a proposal to scrap the state’s high stakes MCAS test. Massachusetts would join with other states to develop a unified test, which would reduce testing costs and bring the country closer to a system of national standards promoted by the Obama administration.

Where would the new test standards come from?

The consortium of about 25 states considering the new tests is based in Florida and known as the Partnership for the Assessment of Readiness for College and Career. The new tests, which could take effect in the 2014-2015 school year, would cover grades 3 through 8 and grade 10, as the MCAS do now. It might also include tests for ninth and 11th graders.

How do the MCAS tests work now?

The state created the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System as part of the state’s 1993 Education Reform Law. Currently, students take English, mathematics, science and technology/engineering and history and social science tests. Students must pass the 10th grade tests in English and math to graduate high school.

What are the pros and cons of the MCAS?

Advocates say that the MCAS is one of the toughest sets of standardized tests in the country and that it pushes Massachusetts schools to prepare students well for college and work. Opponents argue that MCAS and other standardized tests that are used as graduation requirements force teachers to concentrate on preparing students for testing.

How would a common test change education in the state?

Massachusetts think tank The Pioneer Institute argues that common standards would mean a step down from current standards. But state officials say they would not adopt any tests that are less rigorous than the MCAS.

What would the financial effects of the change be for the state?

Massachusetts currently spends $35 million on MCAS testing. Officials say the change would cut that amount, though they do not know by how much. One possible change would have students take the tests on computers.