In a major shift for public education, Massachusetts voted last fall to eliminate the MCAS as a graduation requirement for high school students. This change marks a turning point in how student achievement is measured across the state.
At Everett High School, the impact is already being felt by students. While MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System) tests in English Language Arts, Math, and Science will still be taken by students, they will no longer need to pass them in order to receive a diploma.
Many students at Everett High have expressed support for the decision, stating that it reduces test-related stress and increases the desire for more meaningful learning experiences.
“I feel like, instead of doing big tests and focusing on the prep for them, we should do more hands-on project and more things that require real-world skills,” freshman Emely Reyes said.
“When I learned it wasn’t a graduation requirement, I was somewhat happy because things that we only learn in school shouldn’t reflect on what we know and what we learn,” freshman Jane Maharjan said. “I think this decision to get rid of MCAS as a graduation requirement will encourage people who are interested in the specific subject to do better and prioritize things like that instead of stressing about the test.”
While students generally support the removal of the requirement, some believe MCAS still has value as a learning tool.
“I agree with the decision to remove MCAS as a graduation requirement because some people don’t have enough knowledge to understand or learn certain skills,” sophomore Domenico DelleRose said. “But I feel that students should still take MCAS and it shouldn’t be totally eliminated so the school knows what people need help learning and so the state can see how well the school’s curriculum and the teachers teach the students.”
“I think students should still take MCAS just to measure what they know about the subject and also for teachers to see what they can improve on if not a lot of kids do great on it,” Maharjan said.
Students have also pointed out that removing the MCAS requirement could help reduce stress and allow more focus on subjects and hobbies they’re passionate about. Without the pressure of passing a single test to graduate, students may feel more motivated to explore their interests and take ownership of their learning.
“When I first heard that the MCAS was not a graduation requirement, I was pretty excited,” freshman Fatima Melera said. “I wouldn’t need to spend my free time studying and stressing about passing it, but instead I get to use the free time to work on projects in other subjects.”
Now that MCAS isn’t required to graduate, students at Everett High feel less stressed and more focused on learning things that matter to them. Even though the test is still around, it doesn’t decide if you get your diploma or not.
A lot of students think this change is a good thing because it gives them more chances to show what they’re good at. Instead of just one test, they can do projects and other work that really shows what they’ve learned. For many, it feels like a better and more fair way to learn.
