Graphic by Dina Kats
Josh Walensky
News Editor
Along with the shift from in-person to remote learning at the end of the 2019-2020 school year was the cancellation of the spring English & Language Arts and Mathematics statewide MCAS testing for sophomores. The assessment soon faded from the minds of many students, hopeful that the test would no longer be required for graduation. However, a recent email has declared otherwise.
Newton South MCAS Coordinator Faye Cassell informed the current junior class in her email that “the state is still mandating that the Class of 2022 pass these tests as a requirement for graduation”.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, “To earn a diploma all public school students in Massachusetts must demonstrate competency in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics by reaching at least a ‘Needs Improvement’ level on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS).”
Students have a variety of views on this news. Some believe that the test should be deemed non-essential, especially amidst the grueling times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I think MCAS should be optional, especially this year. Not only because it allows students and families to take a stand against standardized testing, but it also protects students that are high-risk or are living with high-risk people or can’t get to the building,” said Class of 2022 Vice President Sarah Laughlin.
In terms of safety precautions for the assessment, junior Evan Zhu stated, “I’m almost always uncomfortable because of COVID.”
At the end of November, Cassel sent an email to the Junior Class announcing that test dates would occur in the middle of January. However, by early December, students received another email declaring the postponement of the test.
“At this time, there are no modifications to the graduation requirements and testing for the Class of 2022 in ELA and Math is now scheduled for later this year (dates TBD),” Cassel wrote.
This deferral has placed much uncertainty among the Class of 2022. Students interpreted Cassel’s email with the idea that MCAS, a statewide formality, would likely overlap with the times of SAT, ACT, and AP assessments, which are involved in determining students’ futures after graduation. Juniors already have a lot on their plate in terms of post-high school preparation and testing, and many are not thrilled at the need to take MCAS on top of it all.
“Honestly I don’t think standardized testing is a good representation of a student’s academic talents,” Laughlin said.
Regardless of students’ beliefs, Massachusetts education officials have deemed the test essential and mandatory. As of right now, juniors do not know when the test will occur and are currently waiting to receive more information.
