Currently, all high school students in Massachusetts must pass math, reading, and science standardized tests to receive a diploma. Those who don’t pass receive a "certificate of completion," limiting their future job and education opportunities, which affects long-term financial security.

Low-income students of color, English language learners, and students with learning disabilities are most affected. Although some students with severe cognitive impairments can take alternate assessments, most students with diagnosed learning disabilities must take the standard tests. These disparities have worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many parents and teachers support Question 2, citing the stress caused by standardized tests and their inability to fully measure a student's abilities.

Opponents argue that only about 700 students per year, or 1%, fail to pass the tests and worry that ending the MCAS will lower educational standards. However, this number doesn’t account for students who drop out, discouraged by the diploma barrier. Every student affected is still a person whose future is being harmed.

If Question 2 passes, state education standards would remain rigorous, but less focused on testing. MCAS testing would continue for assessment, but not prevent students from graduating.

In an interview with Tim Warren, Political and Community Organizer with the MA Teachers Association, he explained it this way to ECM: “If our schools aren’t focusing on test prep, think about the more holistic learning that can be done. Students can focus more on working as teams, critical thinking skills, and vocational opportunities. Learning how to take a test doesn’t actually get them ready for the world in the way that critical thinking and learning how to be a team player can.”

Click here to learn more.