Education Now High School Exit Exams: A Roadblock to Graduation or a Necessary Standard? Should high school exit exams like the MCAS stay or go? Posted October 17, 2024 By News editor Assessment College Access and Success Education Policy Inequality and Education Gaps In a ballot question this fall, voters in Massachusetts will be asked if they wish to end the requirement that high school students pass exit exams in math, English, and science to earn a diploma. Critics of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) graduation requirement point to national studies that have connected these types of standardized exams to higher dropout rates for students of color and students from low-income families, while supporters say they maintain academic standards. With only a handful of states still using high school exit exams, we consider their effectiveness and discuss ways to help all youth succeed, including the most vulnerable. Guests:Irvin Scott, Senior Lecturer on Education, Harvard Graduate School of EducationJohn Papay, Associate Professor of Education and Director of the Annenberg Institute, Brown UniversityAnne Hyslop, Director of Policy Development, All4Ed Host:Martin West, Academic Dean and Shattuck Professor of Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education Key Takeaways State assessments should be made accessible to all students — translated into multiple languages, built on universal design principles, and include accommodations for students with disabilities.Supporters of high-stakes graduation tests, like the MCAS exams in Massachusetts, say they put pressure on educators and leaders to provide support to meet the needs of all students. The high school graduation requirement also encourages students to engage in their learning process, supporters say. In Massachusetts, there are alternative pathways for students to show their competency in math, English, and science, besides MCAS exams. However, the different pathways, including an appeals process, are not always fully utilized by school districts. Resources: What Impact Have High School Exit Exams Had in Massachusetts? - Usable Knowledge The MCAS As A Graduation Requirement: Findings From A Research-Practice Partnership Lifting all Boats? Accomplishments and Challenges from 20 Years of Education Reform in Massachusetts Rising Numbers, Unmet Needs: Immigrant Newcomers in Massachusetts High Schools Summary of State Graduation Requirements - Fairtest More States Could Drop Their High School Exit Exams - Education Week The Case Against Exit Exams - New America As high school exit exams disappear across the US, are American grads ready for college? - USA Today Education Now A webinar and newsletter series to shape new approaches to challenges in education Explore All Articles Related Articles Askwith Education Forum Askwith Education Forum Weighs High-Stakes Test Graduation Requirement Discussion of MCAS and Massachusetts Ballot Question 2 focuses on implications for teachers and students Usable Knowledge Strategies for Leveling the Educational Playing Field New research on SAT/ACT test scores reveals stark inequalities in academic achievement based on wealth Usable Knowledge What Impact Have High School Exit Exams Had in Massachusetts? A new report investigates whether high-stakes graduation tests improve student achievement and long-term success