Senator Pat Jehlen (D) was one of the lead signers of an open letter to Gov. Charlie Baker and Education Commissioner Jeff Riley last week calling on them to postpone MCAS administration till fall.

The letter was signed by 29 senators. It said standardized testing is not a good use of students’ limited learning time this spring. The priority of schools should be on recovery from the trauma of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing economic crisis and on teaching, not helping state officials document the learning losses that everyone already knows about.

The letter cited support for MCAS cancellation by the statewide organizations of school committees, superintendents, administrators, teachers, and many civil rights leaders — a rare consensus.

The Somerville school committee was among the more than thirty school committees passing resolutions calling on the state to cancel this year’s MCAS.

In response to the rising opposition, Commissioner Riley is recommending that MCAS be given later this spring and shortened. The class of 2022 will not be required to pass MCAS for graduation. Students whose parents have chosen to learn remotely will be able to take the test
online, though details are not yet available.

Jehlen pointed out that parents can opt their children out of MCAS. There’s more information on the Citizens for Public Schools website.

Senator Jehlen represents Medford and Somerville, and parts of Cambridge and Winchester.