Agenda Summary
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In support of Ballot Question 2.
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Official Text
WHEREAS: Education is a fundamental right and the goal of our educational system is to prepare the whole child for holistic success in their future endeavors, whether that be in higher education, vocational training, or the workforce; and
WHEREAS: Standardized tests often fail to account for diverse learning styles and may not accurately reflect a student's abilities, knowledge, or potential; and
WHEREAS: There is growing evidence that high stakes testing requirements can contribute to undue stress, anxiety, and a narrowing of the curriculum, potentially undermining the holistic development of students and limiting their opportunities for growth in areas such as critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving; and
WHEREAS: Numerous studies have shown that standardized test scores are disproportionately correlated with socioeconomic status, access to resources, and test preparation; thereby disproportionately affecting students from marginalized and disadvantaged backgrounds; and
WHEREAS: Every year this requirement costs 700 students statewide and 24 Somerville High students since 2017, who have met Massachusetts’ nation-leading curriculum standards their chance at a diploma, despite no evidence of a graduation exam making diplomas more valuable to colleges or employers; and
WHEREAS: The lack of supporting evidence has lead 19 states to repeal their graduation exam requirements since 2017; and
WHEREAS: Removing the MCAS requirement for Graduation would allow Massachusetts to adopt more comprehensive and equitable methods of assessing student learning and achievement, such as project-based assessments, portfolios, and teacher evaluations, which can offer a more nuanced and accurate picture of a student's abilities and progress;
WHEREAS: Eliminating standardized test requirements for high school graduation would align with a growing movement towards educational equity and personaliz...
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