For nearly two decades, MCAS has been simultaneously lauded and bashed.
But the state’s main barometer of school success is in flux. Massachusetts adopted national education standards from the Race to the Top program last week, potentially leaving the venerable standardized test on the block.
MCAS could be replaced with another exam adopted by numerous states, though Gov. Deval Patrick insists it won’t be abolished.
“The reason Massachusetts is a success story is it had the authority and responsibility to be innovative and be bold and it chose to do so,” said former secretary of education Michael Sentance.
“That system goes away with this, that system that has made Massachusetts internationally competitive.”
Marilyn Segal, executive Director of Citizens for Public Schools, said the state might use both MCAS and the federal exam.
