MCAS Exam Canceled By MA Legislature Amid Coronavirus

MASSACHUSETTS — High school seniors are breathing a sigh of relief after legislation was passed to cancel MCAS testing requirements for the school year. The legislation not only waives this year's MCAS requirements but allows the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to waive high school graduation exam requirements this year.

Legislation was passed Thursday and signed by Gov. Charlie Baker Friday.

The MCAS exams serves as a quality measure in public schools and is required by state and federal law. Public high school students in Massachusetts must pass English and math MCAS exams in 10th grade to graduate.

With schools across the state closed until at least May 4 to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, teachers and district superintendents have been forced to revamp curriculums to fit the new online model. The looming question of what to do about MCAS exams was an added hurdle.

State Sen. Jason Lewis, Senate chair of the Joint Committee on Education, said canceling MCAS tests "will enable our teachers and students to focus on learning and personal well-being as we continue to navigate the current public health emergency ... Legislators heard loud and clear from teachers, parents and superintendents that this was the right thing to do.”

Commissioner Jeffrey C. Riley extended the deadlines for school districts to submit their three-year plans to address educational disparities in student subgroups. The deadline is now May 15.

The legislation also provides budgetary flexibility for regional schools dealing with COVID-19 directives.