Group asks for end to reliance on MCAS

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A group of more than 100 professors and researchers sent a letter to Beacon Hill this week, urging the state to stop relying on standardized test scores when it comes to judging school quality, teacher effectiveness, and student achievement.

The letter said that standardized tests like the MCAS create "an environment of intimidation, fear, anxiety, and stress" for both teachers and students. One researcher said that they felt as though schools are starting to become more like "test prep programs".

Some students 22News spoke with on Thursday seemed to agree.

“The MCAS, I didn't feel it was fair,” Chris Rudert of Chicopee said. “It seems like the teachers are trying to teach their best and then you have this test they kind of have to conform to and teach to.”

Education Commissioner Mitchell Chester told the Boston Globe that he hasn't seen the letter, but he defended the MCAS, citing how important it is to measure "performance and achievement".