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4th Massachusetts District Defies State Ed; State Makes Threats
The Easthampton School Committee has become the fourth in Massachusetts to defy state education officials and vote to award high school diplomas to students who do not pass the MCAS exam by June.
According to a resolution approved last week, the 1,800-student district will continue to give diplomas to students who meet ''local performance standards,'' even if they have not passed the English or math portion of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System test. Passing the exam is a graduation requirement beginning with the class of 2003.
Easthampton joins Hampshire Regional School District, Cambridge, and Falmouth in adopting such a policy, which state education officials say is illegal. But Easthampton Superintendent of Schools John F. Cullinan -- a supporter of high-stakes testing -- said the committee decided that it was unfair to hold students accountable for a test based on the curriculum standards that the state has changed. . . .
Department of Education spokeswoman Heidi B. Perlman said Easthampton could face the loss of state and federal money if it awards the diplomas. And if the district persists, the department could refer the school system to the attorney general's office.
''If they go ahead with this plan, then they essentially will be handing out worthless pieces of paper,'' Perlman said. ''Districts have known this was coming and there is absolutely no wiggle room.''
— Anand Vaishnav
Easthampton is fourth district to defy state on MCAS
Boston Globe
Feb. 4, 2003
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/035/metro/Easthampton_is_fourth_district_to_defy_state_on_MCASP.shtml
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