The Future of MCAS
The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) is a standardized test for all Massachusetts public school students including those with disabilities and limited English proficiency. It is intended to measure the grade level performance of individual students, schools and districts (http://www.doe.mass.edu). The MCAS is a tool the government uses to hold the schools and districts accountable for the progress in their schools.
At first glance, it seems like a fantastic way of making sure that students are receiving the quality education that the public schools should be providing. However, the MCAS has had many devastating unintended consequences that need immediate attention. For example, many public schools have focused much of their time, energy and attention on test preparation to insure that their students will move on to the next grade level and that their schools funding will be maintained or increased. As a result, the students are not being educated with a 21st century mindset. In addition, teachers’ creativity and professional development can be severely hindered.
One change that the Citizens for Public Schools coalition would like to see is the inclusion of multiple measures assessments such as exhibitions, portfolios and projects. This change in policy would encourage the schools to focus not only on standardized testing, but also on other skills such as communication using modern technology, critical thinking, and collaborative skills of the students. Adding these skills would result in an assessment that is more appropriate for a student being educated for the 21st century.
For more information about the issues concerning MCAS and ways to improve it please visit:
http://www.massteacher.org/issues/mcas/mcas_2008-02-08.cfm.
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