Massachusetts voters face a pivotal decision on November 5 with Question 2, a ballot measure to eliminate the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) as a high school graduation requirement. If passed, the state will drop its standardized exit exam requirement, shifting graduation criteria to local coursework standards. [The New York Times, subscription model]
Why it matters: Massachusetts, often heralded for its rigorous academic standards, could abandon one of the cornerstones of its educational success. Supporters argue that MCAS disproportionately impacts vulnerable students, including English learners and students with disabilities, leading to higher dropout rates and narrowing the curriculum to “teach to the test.” Hollywood actor Matt Damon, alongside prominent local educators and politicians, has endorsed Question 2, urging trust in teachers over standardized tests. [Boston Globe, subscription model]
- Supporters say: The Massachusetts Teachers Association, leading the push for a “yes” vote, claims MCAS unfairly punishes students who struggle with standardized tests, often due to learning disabilities or language barriers. They emphasize that MCAS measures only a limited range of skills, advocating for more comprehensive assessment methods that foster creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.
- Critics warn: Opponents, including business leaders and state officials like Gov. Maura Healey, fear that eliminating MCAS could lower standards, leaving students less prepared for college or careers. They argue the uniform test has been key to maintaining consistent educational quality across Massachusetts and caution that inequities could widen if districts set varying standards.
By the numbers: A WBUR poll conducted in September shows a slim majority, with 51% of Massachusetts voters favoring Question 2, while 34% plan to vote “No,” and 15% remain undecided. Poll analysts suggest the outcome could tighten as undecided voters typically lean towards voting “No” on ballot questions.
What they’re saying: Former Gov. Jane Swift, a strong advocate for voting “no,” argued in a recent op-ed that, “eliminating the state’s only objective standard for graduation would allow every school district in Massachusetts to devise its own requirements… leading to haphazard assessments of student readiness for college and careers and even wider inequities in student achievement and opportunities.” Swift emphasized that keeping MCAS “makes our students better, pushes them toward success and strengthens their ability to earn a living and a life of purpose and passion”
What’s next: If passed, Question 2 would affect the Class of 2025, making Massachusetts one of the few states without a high school exit exam requirement. Regardless of the outcome, the debate underscores broader national concerns about standardized testing, student achievement gaps, and post-pandemic learning losses.
