The MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System) tests are approaching. Here are several reasons why families should consider opting their children in grades three through eight out of these tests.
The tests are worthless educationally. They do not improve teaching and learning. Teachers assess every day and learn nothing from the tests that help them to work with the children.
School becomes focused only on passing tests rather than on learning and limit the arts, recess, and other things important to the kids so that they can do more test prep.
The tests basically measure zip codes and race. Those who live in wealthy communities and districts tend to score better and those who are white tend to score higher than children of color.
Massachusetts has spent millions and millions of dollars on the MCAS and those dollars go into the pockets of for profit corporation Pearson. Those dollars could have been spent on personnel and programs that would actually serve students.
This has been a particularly stressful year for students and teachers and the MCAS will just add to the stress and trauma of way too many students without offering anything of value to the children or to the educators.
To opt out your student, simply write a note to the principal and your child’s teacher saying you are opting your child out of the ELA and math MCAS tests. You do not need to give a reason or defend your choice.
It is legal for them to do so and there can be no consequences for the student, the teacher, or the school. The school has to offer the tests, but the children do not have to take it.
For more information go to https://www.citizensforpublicschools.org/ or you can contact the FCCPR education task force at dougselwyn@aol.com.
Doug Selwyn
Greenfield