MCAS Reform Lobby Day

On February 13th I had the opportunity to participate in the MCAS Reform Lobby Day held at the Massachusetts State House in Boston. This event is organized by Citizens for Public Schools (CPS) and was attended by both supporting organizations and youth from the surrounding communities. The Hearing room was packed as students raised their voices against an exam that is devestating graduation rates in the state especially in urban communities. I had the privilege of spending time with five of these students as they made their way to Representative Haddad’s office, the co-chair on the education committee. These students met with Rep. Haddad’s aide and told their stories of how this exam has negatively impacted their lives and the lives of their classmates. They were then able to make the same case their Representative, Brian Wallace, who listened with great interest to what they had to say.

This day was important for numerous reasons. One, we brought attention to the negative ramifications of high stakes testing and the need for alternative assessment methods to combat the escalating dropout rate. Two, we gave these students the opportunity to not only use their voice, but the opportunity to learn the process of lobbying and actively engaging in the process. Finally, we were able to show in force that the tolerance for the inequity that comes from this method of assessment has reached a limit. We succeeded on all of these points. Please consider joining this effort to bring change to the students of this Commonwealth and for that matter, across the country. High stakes testing is a a by-product of No Child Left Behind. To take action visit the NEA website and follow the links. If you are in Massachusetts, you can do the same at the MTA website. Please join us in our effort to reform these educational policies.