Look at one of the rubrics given. Ironically this high-stakes test is created by the politically conservative Pioneer Institute, which has in the past been openly hostile to public education. The test has never been independently validated, and has in fact been criticized regarding poorly written questions, historical interpretations presented as fact, materials innapropriate to the test takers' reading level, and vague criteria for grading the essay section. Beginning next year, 10th graders must pass the test to receive their high school diplomas. MCAS focuses mostly on specific subject knowledge and memorization rather than critical thinking skills.
Students assert that memorization is uninteresting, and can be overwhelming.
Students who fail the test or just barely get by may be more likely to drop out after their sophmore year. Programs which do not prepare students for the test, such as vocational training, bilingual programs, and performing arts programs are actually being cut, because schools are under pressure to bring up individual school scores. Schools wishing to raise their MCAS average will continue to take time away from subjects taught that do not appear on the test, such as visual arts and music. Internships and electives are also being phased out at some schools. Perhaps the main complaint of students is that rather than improve educational quality the testing is making school less challanging and less interesting.