Submitted by [deleted] t3_125k9gv in massachusetts
Consistent-Egg1534 t1_je4nc88 wrote
It is only mandatory for grade 10. I am also a college professor and while I do appreciate the snapshot of “learning” MCAS can give our district, the time spent prepping for the test pretty much renders that data useless. Combine with how far behind my kids are this year due to our district’s experiment cutting SPED and forcing teaching teams to manage classrooms with remedial, honors level and standard level students combined and we really should not be wasting a minute on these. My 8th grader is excused this year (you can find a standard exemption letter online).
NE889 t1_je4p79v wrote
What is your town’s goal in having a classroom with kids from a wide range of abilities this late in their age?
Consistent-Egg1534 t1_je4po4u wrote
You would have to ask our moron superintendent. The goal 2 years ago was to not have to pay as many teachers. But the experiment has failed - we are not providing adequate aides to make the set-up work nor are we providing the amount of team planning time we were told would be made available (for teachers to teach “across a curriculum” they need to meet on paid, scheduled time weekly). Teachers are basically handling social-emotional issues and not having enough time to teach. The staff admit they are getting though less than 2/3 the material than before this experiment.
NE889 t1_je4pwuk wrote
Ah, so your town is trying to operate like a publicly traded company and cut costs and force the teachers to do more with less and produce the same results. Except instead of appeasing stockholders, they’re causing harm to kids of all learning levels diminished returns.
Consistent-Egg1534 t1_je4qyqs wrote
greatly diminished returns! I have seen our schools tank between my oldest’s time here and my youngest’s. And for what? We are still not properly funding and asking for more overrides🤷🏻♀️
Consistent-Egg1534 t1_je4qrl4 wrote
they word it all over the state that mcas is required by law for grades 3-8 but the truth is the schools are required by law to OFFER it. Parents may refuse with no penalty for their student:
https://www.cpsd.us/departments/research_assessment_evaluation/mcas
Billi_Pilgrim t1_je4p16p wrote
I did not know exemption was an option for my 8th grader. I am going to look into that. Thank you!
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