The Massachusetts Comprehension Assessment system (MCAS) is a standardized test that is given to all Tenth grade students in Massachusetts. This test must be passed as a requirement to graduate from high school.

The school board created this test to get students prepared and work harder in order to pass this life altering test. This did not work; it does not assist in children’s learning methods. Schools are teaching to the test and are not focusing on bettering their education programs. This test does not illustrate their proper ability to learn or show how intelligent they are. Schools should be focusing on small class sizes and getting children interested in the material not scared about passing one test.

The school board says the diploma has more value because it means you passed this test, but really the diploma stands for the years and years of hard work and learning. This test does not portray what school is really like. It does not show all the hand on projects and the opportunities they have or how hard the teachers try to get students interested and how dedicated the teachers are to develop a relationship with their students. This test is not helpful to anyone. It does not show a child’s knowledge.

Schools are focusing on the test too much and have to cut back on enjoyable activities to get in that last lesson in that might be on the test. This makes schools seem too structured and living by this one test.

Many students do not pass this test and end their education right there. They do not have a chance to move on or sometimes have the opportunity to succeed. This test discourages many who do not pass. Twelve years of education should be enough; there should not be a deciding test. Children with disabilities or who do not go to a good quality school have to pass this test, which does not seem fair. This test eliminates options for children to go on with their education and it reduces their confidence. This test should not be a requirement to graduate high school. Every child should have a chance at a higher education and to not be held back from their dreams.