Massachusetts voters have approved a ballot question to eliminate the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) exam as a graduation requirement. This decision was made during the recent elections, marking a significant victory for the Massachusetts Teachers Association, which argued that the test is stressful and disproportionately affects students of color, students with disabilities, and students from low-income backgrounds. Critics, however, contend that the exam helps hold teachers and schools accountable and maintains consistent standards across districts and demographics. The debate was intense, with endorsements from various celebrities and political figures, and over $21 million in donations from both sides. In Cambridge, the impact of the MCAS on students was a key point of discussion, with data showing that only 37 students did not receive diplomas due to failing the MCAS over the past 11 years, with a significant proportion of those having Individualized Education Plans.
Additionally, Election Day 2024 in Massachusetts saw a record voter turnout, with Secretary of State Bill Galvin predicting it would surpass the 2020 record. Early voting numbers were high, with 1.7 million people casting their ballots during the early voting period. The election process was monitored closely, with Department of Justice monitors present at several polling locations to ensure integrity.
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