Massachusetts is one of only eight states that require students to pass a high school graduation test in order to receive a diploma. As a result, educators are forced to narrow our curriculum to the passing of a single test, and hundreds of students each year are denied a diploma despite meeting all other academic requirements. But a ballot initiative on this November’s statewide ballot could change that.
The AFT Massachusetts Executive Board formally voted to endorse a YES vote on Question 2, which would end the misuse of the MCAS test as a graduation requirement, and instead require that students demonstrate that they have mastered the state’s education standards, skills and competencies through their schoolwork and teacher evaluations. Students would still take the MCAS and the test would be used as an assessment tool, but passage would no longer be a requirement to receive a high school diploma.
“Passing Question 2 will allow educators to spend less time teaching to the test, and instead focus on teaching real-world skills including hands-on learning, creativity, critical thinking and working well in a group, which are essential to success in college and the workforce,” said AFT Massachusetts President Jessica Tang. “That’s important for all students, and especially for students of color, low-income students, students with disabilities and students for whom English is their second language, who are especially harmed by the MCAS graduation requirement. Too often, our highest-need students miss out on deeper, more meaningful learning because they’re forced to spend extra hours on repetitive test prep. Question 2 will allow educators to prioritize students’ unique learning needs to ensure they meet state standards, rather than denying them diplomas at a critical juncture in their life.”
The proposed law would eliminate the requirement that a student pass the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) tests (or other statewide or district-wide assessments) in mathematics, science and technology, and English in order to receive a high school diploma. Instead, in order for a student to receive a high school diploma, the proposed law would require the student to complete coursework certified by the student’s district as demonstrating mastery of the competencies contained in the state academic standards in mathematics, science and technology, and English, as well as any additional areas determined by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.
“As educators, we know that true learning is about much more than can be measured by a single standardized test,” said AFT Massachusetts Secretary-Treasurer Brant Duncan. “That’s why we use projects, papers, and group activities to assess students and measure how they are meeting our state’s strong academic standards. Whether a student is headed to college or wants to pursue a good job in the trades, they need a well-rounded learning environment where they can learn the diverse set of skills that are needed to succeed in the 21st-century workforce. Question 2 would remove a major obstacle for students who work hard in school but struggle with test-taking, and generate healthier learning environments for all students.”
The Globe published an oped co-written by AFT Massachusetts President Jessica Tang and UMass professor Jack Schneider laying out the case for a new accountability system.
We started making calls to our members who live and vote in Massachusetts to make sure they’re ready to vote YES on Question 2. We’re doing a Yes on 2 phone bank every Monday on Zoom at 5pm - can you join? While current polling looks promising, we have a lot of progress to make on educating fellow members about Question 2. Many don’t know it’s on the ballot but are immensely supportive once we tell them about it. Volunteer today!