Springfield teachers and administrators hold forum for ballot question number two
Oct 29, 2024
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - With just days out from election day, the Coalition of Experienced Black Educators and the Superintendent of Springfield Public School hosted a community forum in Springfield to clarify ballot question number two. A "Yes" vote would end the state's use of the 10th grade MCAS test, as a "No" vote would leave the current MCAS graduation requirement in place. Experienced educators shared their concerns Tuesday evening. "It certainly causes harm to the children and their confidence level, you know they feel defeated. What are they going to go with a certificate of completion?" shared Dr. Gloria B. Williams, Executive Director, Coalition of Experienced Black Educators. "I'm not so opposed of having a strong accountability system. I'd like to feel that I had some impact in what they learned and what they are going to carry on to the next phase of their lives," shared Willette Johnson, Former Principal, Springfield Public Schools. According to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary education, more than 90% of students pass the MCAS exam.
Both sides argued Tuesday evening that there are options if the vote does not go either way. Those voting "No" shared that taking an exam each week in school can better prepare, such as "Test Out Thursday".Those voting "Yes" shared "Cume folders, once used to collect and measure success could come back into place to monitor standards.