The Education Gadfly Show #947: MCAS no more: High school in the post-exit-exam era, with Jim Peyser
Nov 20, 2024
Jim Peyser, former Massachusetts Secretary of Education, dives into the recent repeal of the MCAS graduation requirement and its implications for high school standards. He discusses the evolving landscape of graduation criteria, emphasizing the need for equitable assessments. The conversation also touches on the significant rise in homeschooling post-pandemic, exploring changing demographics and motivations. Peyser highlights the balance between maintaining high academic standards while considering diverse educational pathways, including vocational training.
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MCAS Impact
- The MCAS exam significantly improved 10th-grade performance once it became a graduation requirement.
- Before it counted, students put in little effort, but once it had consequences, scores rose dramatically.
Public Perception vs. Reality
- Standardized tests and accountability measures, despite their role in educational success, are often unpopular.
- The narrative focused on negative aspects like test anxiety, while the actual graduation requirements were multifaceted and included support systems.
Post-MCAS Graduation Standards
- Eliminating MCAS as a graduation standard leaves Massachusetts with very low statewide requirements.
- Potential replacements include MassCore, a college-prep curriculum, or a decentralized assessment system chosen by districts.