Question 2, which repeals the requirement to pass a competency exam (MCAS) to graduate from high school, received 59% of the votes in the state election. This means that the MCAS, Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System, a standardized test in MA once required for grade school students to graduate from high school no longer holds a requirement.
Where was this law while we were in grade school?
Jokes aside, this repeal does not mean that students won’t have to take the MCAS, it just means they do not need to attain a certain score in order to graduate from high school.
“In passing Question 2, Massachusetts voters have proclaimed that they are ready to let teachers teach, and students learn, without the onerous effects of a high-stakes standardized test undermining the mission of public education: to prepare all students for future success as citizens, workers and creative, happy adults,” notes Massachusetts Teachers Association President Max Page and Vice President Deb McCarthy.
The MCAS testing system has been in administration since 2003, roughly 700 students a year statewide do not graduate high school due to their MCAS score.
In addition to Question 2, here’s how Massachusetts questions ranged on the ballot:
- Massachusetts Question 1. Allows audits of the state Legislature. 75% yes
- Massachusetts Question 2. Repeals requirement to pass a competency exam to graduate from high school. 59% yes
- Massachusetts Question 3. Allows ride-share drivers to form labor unions. 54% yes
- Massachusetts Question 4. Legalizes certain psychedelic substances. 57% no
- Massachusetts Question 5. Raises the minimum wage for tipped workers. 64% no
About 96% of ballots are accounted for in this data. While results are unlikely to change from the remaining votes, this is a developing story, so stay tuned for updates.