Bye-Bye MCAS: Massachusetts Votes Away High School Exit Exam

Did you know that Massachusetts has said goodbye to the MCAS exam for high school graduation? That's right! The state voted to replace the MCAS requirement with coursework approved by districts. This big change happens right away for students graduating in 2025. The MCAS exam has been a part of Massachusetts' education law since 1993. It made passing tests in English, math, and science necessary for getting a diploma. But now, things are different. Supporters of the change, like the Massachusetts Teachers Association, thought the MCAS exam was unfair to students with disabilities and those learning English. Every year, about 700 students couldn't graduate because of their MCAS scores. Business leaders, on the other hand, liked the MCAS exam because it set a common standard for all students and could help with future earnings. In western Massachusetts, towns like Shutesbury, Northampton, and Wendell strongly supported the change. Holyoke, where many students struggled with the MCAS, also voted heavily in favor. But in wealthier areas like Boston and Wellesley, people were less likely to support the change. In Weston, a very wealthy town, most voters said no to ending the MCAS requirement. The vote showed that lower-income communities wanted the MCAS gone, while richer areas had mixed feelings. The debate was fierce, and the Massachusetts Teachers Association spent a lot of money on the campaign. Even famous people like Michael Bloomberg and Matt Damon got involved. Even though the MCAS is gone, students still need to meet local graduation requirements to get their diplomas. Most students who can't pass the MCAS also struggle with these local requirements.