Sign up for the Today newsletter
Get everything you need to know to start your day, delivered right to your inbox every morning.
Boston.com readers are divided over Question 2 results
“Society needs standards. No bar equals low bar," one respondent said.
Question 2 was overwhelmingly passed by Massachusetts voters on Wednesday, meaning high school students will no longer be required to pass MCAS in order to graduate. But Boston.com readers were divided about the results.
With about 88% of precincts reporting, 59% of residents were in favor of ending the graduation requirement and replacing it with district-set coursework, according to the Associated Press. Although Tuesday’s vote removes the test as a graduation requirement, students will continue to take MCAS exams.
The Massachusetts Teachers Association, the union behind the ballot question, called the results “truly a collective victory.”
“In passing Question 2, Massachusetts voters have proclaimed that they are ready to let teachers teach, and students learn, without the onerous effects of a high-stakes standardized test undermining the mission of public education: to prepare all students for future success as citizens, workers and creative, happy adults,” MTA President Max Page and Vice President Deb McCarthy said in a statement Wednesday morning.
Advertisement:
When we asked Boston.com readers to share their reactions to the Question 2 results, respondents were nearly tied; a slight majority (52%) of the more than 100 who responded said they disagreed with the results, while 48% agreed with the results. Just one percent said they felt neutral.
Do you agree with the results of Question 2?
Yes, I agree
48%
No, I disagree
52%
I'm neutral
1%
Readers who disagreed with the results argued that without MCAS as a graduation requirement, academic standards for students will be lower. Those who agreed with the results said the elimination of MCAS as a graduation requirement makes it easier for students of all abilities to receive their high school diploma.
Below, readers share their reactions to the results of Question 2.
Advertisement:
Responses have been lightly edited for grammar and clarity.
Do you agree with the results of Question 2?
No
“I want our youth to graduate high school well prepared to succeed in adulthood. Being able to pass an exam administered at the 10th grade level does not seem to me to be an overly rigorous standard to pass for a diploma. And now without a state-wide standard we will probably see school districts with more inequality in what education they provide students, who will carry that education into the world after high school.” – Richard, Dorchester
“Society needs standards. No bar equals low bar.” – Catherine, Methuen
“To me this was about holding students, teachers and school systems in check. Now that last check was removed.” – A ‘Concerned Parent,’ Needham
“Is anything else going to replace it? We risk undermining one of the nation’s top education systems.” – Leo, Newton
Yes
“An acquaintance of mine has a child who is autistic. His child could not pass the MCAS…Despite this, he wanted the child to be able to obtain a high school diploma. This decision will allow the child to obtain one.” – T., Lowell
“Not all students are the same. Some may not be good test takes but still have A’s and B’s. Students with disabilities and English language learners struggle with the test as well. Teachers will no longer have to teach for the test and will allow for the curriculum to access many different avenues of learning.” – Alyssa A., Norwood
“A kid who doesn’t pass the MCAS because they’re not very academically inclined would be better served by taking technical classes they’re interested in that could lead to a career, rather than math, English, and science they may hate.” – David, Ayer
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com