The MCAS Ballot Question: Perspectives from Both Sides (English/Spanish)

This November, voters across the Commonwealth will have the opportunity to weigh in on a key question facing education in Massachusetts: should students be required to pass the MCAS, the state’s standardized test, to graduate from high school? This citizen-initiated ballot question would eliminate this requirement. 

Those in favor of removing the requirement, led primarily by the Massachusetts Teachers Association, argue that the requirement forces teachers to “teach to the test,” causing significant stress to students and harming disadvantaged students such as Emergent Bilinguals and students with disabilities. Proponents of the requirement point to research that links the MCAS to long-term success, and contend that the assessment is a critical tool for promoting equity. Supporters include the Protect Our Kids’ Futures: Vote No on 2 Coalition, which counts former education leaders and members of the business community among its members, as well as state officials such as Governor Maura Healey and Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler.

Join us on Monday, September 30th from 6:30-7:45pm as we invite representatives from both sides to engage in a lively point-counterpoint debate on this issue. Melissa Verdier, President of the Education Association of Worcester, will argue in favor of the ballot measure. Timothy Murray, President & CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, will oppose the measure. The discussion will be moderated by Dina Tedeschi, a Worcester parent and Family & Community Engagement Specialist at Worcester Education Collaborative. 

This event is geared towards parents in Worcester and beyond, as well as anyone with an interest in education. 

Program Overview:
Welcome & Overview of Ballot Question | Dina Tedeschi, Worcester Education Collaborative
In Support of the MCAS Ballot Question | Melissa Verdier, Education Association of Worcester
In Opposition to the MCAS Ballot Question | Timothy Murray, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce
Q&A | Dina Tedeschi, Worcester Education Collaborative

This is a virtual event. 
Please register to receive the Zoom link to the event.
Register: https://events.humanitix.com/mcas-ballot2024

Sponsored by the Worcester Education Collaborative and the Worcester Education Equity Roundtable, this event is intended to help our community work together towards a stronger, more inclusive educational system for our children and our community. The Worcester Education Equity Roundtable is generously supported by The Nellie Mae Education Foundation.