53 MA Teachers Refuse To Administer MCAS Standardized Testing

QUINCY, MA — Fifty-three Cambridge and Hull teachers are refusing to administer the state-mandated MCAS standardized test in protest of the stress it is causing during the pandemic, reported GBH News.

The teachers, who are calling themselves "conscientious objectors," argue that the test is causing stress for students due to the lack of learning time during the pandemic and has a history of categorizing students by race and class.

Fifth grade teacher Deb McCarthy and a group of advocates and supporters recently gathered outside Lillian M. Jacob School in Hull to display their objections. McCarthy, who sent a letter to the district several weeks ago expressing her concerns, was sent home on administrative leave after refusing to give the test.

“I’ve asked to be a conscientious objector because it was clear to me that these tests were causing undue harm,” McCarthy told GBH News.

Dan Monahan, president of the Cambridge Education Association, has expressed disapproval of the decision to administer the test, arguing that kids have not had sufficient time in class and the test targets the most vulnerable students.

Despite objections to giving the MCAS test amidst the pandemic and many educators taking contractual leave instead of giving the test, Superintendent of Cambridge Public Schools Kenneth N. Salim said the city has to comply with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's decision to move forward with the test to avoid disciplinary consequences.

According to educators, parents have the right to opt their children out of MCAS, but the tests will continue to be administered through June 11.

More information about MCAS testing in Massachusetts can be found here.