Mass Ed Committee considering MCAS bills

Yesterday, the Joint Committee on Education heard testimony on two bills before the state legislature regarding the MCAS exam (timely!). I am told by those that were there that for the first time ever, the legislators on the committee had serious questions, and were clearly considering the testimony they heard (hurrah!).
The bills are:

HO1955 - An Act to improve assessment and accountability to ensure students acquire 21st century skills
Rep. Carl Sciortino and Senator Jamie Eldridge, lead sponsors

Summary: For students to thrive after they have finished school, they need to be educated with a skill set that prepares them for the many varied challenges in the new economy. This bill supplants the 10th grade MCAS exams with state-developed, end-of-course assessments in math, English, science, and history. Students must pass each of these classes to be determined competent to graduate from high school. Additionally, to ensure that our schools are meeting their obligations to properly educate students, every school must be accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, and must renew its accreditation every 10 years. The bill establishes steps to be taken to improve underperforming schools.

 HO1938- An Act to Expand Access to the MCAS Appeals Process
Rep. Liz Malia, lead sponsor

Summary: This bill would extend access to the MCAS appeals process to all students and requires that students, parents and guardians are given notice of the student's right to appeal and to have an advocate to assist in the appeal. Appeal is available after the first MCAS failure (now, three failures are required), prompting collection of the student's portfolio of class work demonstrating performance and knowledge. The bill does not lower graduation standards, and requires collection of appeals data.
 
As the Education Reform Act of 1993 actually called for an assessment system (which is not the same as a standardized test), the first bill brings us back into line with the original law. Both it and the second  bill recognize the disproportionate impact the MCAS has on special education students; of the 3000 students denied a diploma last year due to not passing the MCAS, two-thirds were special education students.
You will find contact information for the members of the Joint Committee on Education in the sidebar. I would also, as always, urge you to get in touch with your own legislators as well.