Since the Education Reform Act of 1993, the achievement gap has remained relatively stable and shameful.
By Margaret McKennaUpdated July 17, 2023, 2:11 p.m.
The challenge the state faces isn’t that Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System scores are too low or the failing rate too high. Our fundamental problem is that we are failing to provide all students the quality education they deserve.
Despite our state education system being ranked at or near the top in the nation over the last two decades, roughly one-third of Massachusetts students have failed the high-stakes graduation test. The vast majority of those who failed are Black, brown, low-income, English language learners, or those students with disabilities. While we can argue test rate statistics, we cannot argue with the real, negative impact this test has had on students already marginalized.