MCAS and Assessment
I have never been a major fan of the MCAS, but I do believe that it has its benefits, particular as a diagnostic tool so we can measure whether or not students are learning and are proficient. I think that the MCAS along with other forms of assessment, particularly portfolios, will help us understand what is going on in classrooms and get the students ready for the 21st century learning and work environments they are graduating into.
Portfolios and project based learning are part of the learning experience for some students; this should be the reality for all children. I think project based learning provides an exciting opportunity for teachers and learners to be creative while acquiring meaning skills that will allow our students to become more well rounded critical thinkers and to become proficient in all subject areas. Our MCAS scores have been stagnant, with small glimpses of promise. I think we need to continue to use best practices to inform our instruction and meet the needs of all of our students. We should also think about creating a district wide assessment that would help us measure student achievement to compliment the MCAS data.
