“The MCAS tests hurt kids. Thanks to the Ledger for focusing on those kids who may have skills but cannot pass a written test. But please don’t forget our third graders trying to read a sixth grade level item, and becoming sick over the test. Don’t forget our 10th grader contemplating dropping out, and closing the door of opportunity forever. And don’t forget the private and parochial school kids who escape this whole disaster. Money, it seems, walks to non-MCAS schools, the way Board of Education Chair Jim Peyser’s kids do. Public school is about opportunity, and opening doors. MCAS testing closes doors for thousands. We should end it immediately.”
-Paul J. Phillips
Mr. Phillips has a very strong opinion about the MCAS testing- and so do kids all over Massachusetts. It may be reassuring- as students- to know that adults feel the same way, because Mr. Phillips is an adult. Go back to the section of the quote, that talks about third graders getting sick, tenth graders dropping out, and the worst part: the fact that private school students don’t even HAVE to take the test.
In this article, you’ll hear both sides of the argument, and from all ages.
People Who Think MCAS is Good
“Standardized testing gives teachers guidance to help them determine what to teach students and when to teach it. The net result is less wasted instructional time and a simplified way of timeline management.”
“Since all students in a school are taking the same test (with respect to grade level) standardized tests provide an accurate comparison across groups. (For example, this makes it easy to see how boys are performing as compared to girls in a particular school or district.) Over the years great improvements have been made with regards to test bias, which has led to more accurate assessments and comparisons.”
“MCAS is not the be all and end all, and as long as I am superintendent it will not be the be all and end all,” Gobron said. “When it counts, when it is a question of graduation, we perform extremely well.”
“People make it a big deal, calling it the ‘Massachusetts-Child-Abuse-System!’ Just do it, it isn’t that bad!”
People Who Think MCAS is Bad
“I think that MCAS is just not necessary! And if you have to do it, two open responses is enough! Don’t give kids five! If you’re testing on reading and writing skills, two responses should be enough!”
“It’s just a waste of time, and some of the questions are confusing.”
“I get really stressed, and know that I don’t do as well as I would, if it were just a normal quick test.”
“MASSACHUSETTS-CHILD-ABUSE-SYSTEM!”
“It really stresses me out.”
Now that you’ve heard both sides of the story, say in the comments what you think, your honest opinion. I personally feel all of the negative things: It stresses me out, I know I don’t do as well, and it is a waste of time.
What do you think?