Mass. Voters end high-stakes MCAS exam requirement
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Massachusetts high school students will no longer be required to pass MCAS exams to earn a diploma after voters approved a measure removing the requirements.
Why it matters: It's one of the biggest changes to the state's education system in a generation.
- For over 20 years, every graduating student in Massachusetts has had to pass the state's comprehensive assessment exams in the 10th grade or after.
Driving the news: Voters sided 59%-to-41% with the teacher-backed ballot measure to remove the graduation requirement, according to the Associated Press.
- The MCAS will still be conducted, but now districts will set their own standards for awarding a diploma.
Follow the money: As of mid-October, the Massachusetts Teachers Association had spent around $10 million to support the "Yes on 2" campaign, according to financial disclosures filed with the state.
- Opponents raised around $2 million for the "No" campaign but saw a last-minute influx of donations from deep-pocketed business interests.
Catch up quick: Teachers argued the set of high-stakes tests puts too much pressure on kids and narrows the curriculum.
- Parents, educators and others involved in primary education fought against the measure to preserve the math, science and English exams.
- They argued the exam system has been a huge success and touted how the passing rate went from 75% in 2003 to 95% last year.
Go deeper: See more local and statewide election results ...