MCAS measures only familiarity with a statewide curriculum. Every aspect of classroom work has to be evaluated in relation to the looming shadow of MCAS because the implication of this cookie cutter are deep and indelible. Teachers, administrators, and of course, students are under enormous pressure to do well, to achieve a score that puts them one better than the community down the road. Careers and educational futures are on the line. Testing itself is not the issue.
Students face assessments all the time.
There is, after all, a fundamental difference between testing what has been taught and teaching what will be tested. As it happens American students are already subject to more standardized tests than their counterparts anywhere in the world. Massachusetts children have scored well on most of them. Eighth graders ranked fifth on the science exam and tenth in math. However, a glance at the questions shows that MCAS tests are beyond the basics.