I completely agree with your statements about the MCAS. I remember taking the test for the first time in high school, when it was new. Teachers were in a panic to cram information into our brains and we were tested many times prior to the MCAS to be sure the results would be positive. The stress drove most of us crazy. I was ill on test day but did my best and completed 1/4 of the Math and 1/2 of the English… and still managed to score above average. I have no idea how they grade those things but I felt that was odd. I was shocked to hear that failing the MCAS could mean not graduating. As you said, it does not accurately assess a students potential for success or broad knowledge. I’ve always felt the MCAS should just be for stats and not have any real effect on a student’s future.