Letter: Vote ‘yes’ to eliminate MCAS graduation requirement

By Margaret Riddle 19 September 2024

This election we have the opportunity to vote for fairness by voting ‘yes’ on Question 2: “The Elimination of MCAS as High School Graduation Requirement.” Understand that with the passage of this ballot question, the excellent curriculum frameworks in Massachusetts will remain. The MCAS test will continue to be given in grades 3-10, and educators and school districts will continue to be held accountable to faithfully and effectively implement those frameworks.

The only change will ensure fairness to all students educated in Massachusetts. Now school districts are expected to faithfully implement the state curriculum, and they do. Teachers expect to be held accountable, and they are. Students study for years throughout the grades to obtain the education they will need to succeed. And they do. However, a small number of students, many of whom have special needs or have acquired English as a second language, are not able to attain the required score to receive a high school diploma.

Massachusetts students have long scored among the top states on the “nation’s report card,” the National Assessment of Educational Progress. That high achievement will likely continue when Question 2 passes. It is unjust to punish individual students for a test score by denying them a diploma no matter if they have attended school regularly, worked hard, and learned to the best of their ability, even in difficult circumstances.

I hope you will join me by voting ‘yes’ on Question 2 at this election.

Margaret Riddle

Leeds