Impact on Diverse Student Populations
Jill Norton and Shelley Scruggs, both mothers of teenage boys in Massachusetts, have faced their share of academic hurdles with their sons.
Norton’s child struggles with dyslexia and ADHD, while Scruggs’ son battles ADHD as well.
Despite attending the same technical high school, their views on a proposed Massachusetts initiative to abolish standardized testing for high school graduation couldn’t be more different.
Norton argues that standardized exams provide essential motivation for students to strive for their best.
On the opposite side, Scruggs believes that traditional testing methods fall short for students with learning disabilities, advocating for alternative assessment strategies to evaluate competencies for graduation.
In a landmark decision last year, Massachusetts voters opted to support the initiative, signalling a significant shift as many states follow suit in moving away from standardized graduation exams.
Only seven states still require high school exit exams, with New York set to phase out its Regents Exam by the end of the 2027-28 academic year.
Florida, Louisiana, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas, and Virginia remain the last states clinging to such testing standards, according to the National Center for Fair and Open Testing.
Shifts in Educational Standards
The educators’ unions in Massachusetts praised the repeal, arguing that exit exams limited educational opportunities by focusing strictly on basic knowledge rather than promoting deeper understanding and hands-on skills.
Conversely, some business leaders contend that maintaining these exams is vital, citing the need to ensure that high school graduates possess basic competencies necessary for a competitive job market.
Over the past decade, the trend toward eliminating graduation tests has become more pronounced.
In 2012, half of the states had such exit exams, but by 2019 that number had shrunk to just 13.
The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst for this decline, as remote learning led several districts to suspend or permanently eliminate testing requirements.
Research highlights that exit exams disproportionately affect students with learning disabilities and non-native English speakers.
Furthermore, these exams don’t always correlate with future career success or academic achievement.
A study from the University of Texas at Austin in 2010 highlighted that the supposed benefits of exit exams often fell flat, particularly for disadvantaged students.
Alternative Assessment Strategies
In light of these findings, states are exploring various alternative assessment methods, including grading based on coursework, comprehensive projects, or technical skill evaluations.
John Papay, an associate professor at Brown University, recalls that the push for minimum competency testing in the 1980s arose from a desire to guarantee basic skills at graduation.
However, resistance to standardized tests has grown over time, gaining momentum especially during the pandemic.
Despite some limitations, Papay observes a link between exam performance and future academic and career opportunities.
He points out that students who perform well on standardized tests often continue their education and find financial success, while also having options to retake tests or appeal their results.
According to Anne Hyslop, director of policy development at All4Ed, states are increasingly adopting flexible assessment methods, enabling students to showcase their knowledge in diverse ways before graduating.
Scruggs recounted her son’s experience with the required exam last spring.
He passed the math and science sections but narrowly missed the English portion.
She expressed worry about the ramifications of failing these tests, pointing out that dedicated students who excel in their classes may still be at risk of not graduating.
Norton, on the other hand, finds that the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) encourages her son to give his best effort in school.
She fears that without standardized benchmarks, students might graduate without essential skills, endangering their readiness for further education or the workforce.
Starting with the graduating class of 2025, students in Massachusetts will still need to attempt the MCAS in their sophomore year, but their scores will no longer be a requirement for graduation.
The state is currently exploring potential replacements for the MCAS, with alternative assessments and evaluation methods under consideration.
High school students nationwide must still meet various graduation criteria, including coursework in essential subjects like English, math, and science.
However, the specific graduation requirements can significantly differ from one school district to another.
In 2019, New York’s State Education Department began rethinking its graduation criteria, leading to the decision to phase out the Regents Exam in favor of a broader “Portrait of a Graduate.” This new approach emphasizes demonstrated proficiency across multiple areas, encouraging students to engage in capstone projects and real-world experiences.
Harry Feder, executive director of FairTest, argues that course grades provide a more realistic measure of student capabilities compared to standardized tests, which often result in a narrow focus geared toward test preparation.
Max Page, president of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, defended teachers’ expertise, stating that reducing intricate learning to a single test diminishes their professional practice.
He reminded that while students can retake exit exams, assessing knowledge and abilities involves much more than a single examination.
Looking to Colorado, many experts see its recent changes as a blueprint for moving away from traditional graduation testing.
Colorado has allowed districts to offer a variety of assessment options since 2021, including SAT and ACT scores, and measures of workforce readiness.
Recent recommendations from a state task force in Colorado advocate for tailoring assessments to address the diverse needs of students, incorporating multilingual options and timely feedback on their progress.
Danielle Ongart, assistant commissioner for student pathways and engagement at the Colorado Department of Education, stressed that this variety empowers students to demonstrate their knowledge and pursue career paths that align with their aspirations, such as earning industry-specific certifications in areas like computer science and quantum computing through the use of natural language processing.
Source: The74million