GLCPS Community Reacts to Voters' Decision to Eliminate the Tenth Grade MCAS as a Graduation Requirement
By Kyle Keough
(November 15, 2024) - The November 5th election brought a significant change to Massachusetts schools as voters elected to eliminate the MCAS 10th grade test as a graduation requirement. Although it is no longer a graduation requirement, students will still need to complete MCAS. Reaction from students and staff at GLCPS was generally positive although some students in the upper high school grades expressed resentment because it happened too late for them.
Maggie Frates, who is in 11th grade says she feels cheated. “Why do they have to make it right after I take it?”
High school students in the lower grades, however, expressed relief. Mia Anali Balderas who is in 10th grade said “I am so happy I don’t have to worry about it any more.”
As for GLCPS teachers and staff, the voters’ decision has left many feeling unburdened and excited for students. “I’m happy it’s taken out and I feel like graduation should not be determined based on that one data point,” said Mrs. Lambauer, Assistant Director of Student Services.
It remains to be seen whether the elimination of the MCAS requirement for high school students will result in a change in the way learning looks in the future.
Kyle Keough is a senior at GLCPS. As part of his senior internship program, he is writing news articles for and about the GLCPS community.
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