DARTMOUTH, Mass. (WLNE) — A recent poll from the University of New Hampshire Survey Center shows strong division on a ballot question regarding standardized tests in Massachusetts. Question two on the ballot asks whether or not to eliminate the MCAS tests as a requirement for students to graduate from high school. The UNH “Bay State Poll” shows 49% of voters say yes, Massachusetts should get rid of the testing as a graduation requirement. 43% of people say no and 8% are unsure on the issue. The superintendent of Dartmouth Public Schools, Dr. June Saba-Maguire, said regardless of the outcome, it’s something to look at and discuss especially with so much division on the issue. “Obviously it’s time for us to come back to the table and consider, not whether to do away with the MCAS as a graduation requirement, but rather to convene a stakeholder group to look at what kind of hurdles are there for students who might not be meeting that benchmark and how are we getting them there,” Saba-Maguire said. As an educator, Saba-Maguire said she supports the testing and that it’s just one way to measure a student’s progress. Categories: Massachusetts, News