Voters in the US state of Massachusetts recently decided to eliminate the state’s standardized tests for high school graduation. This movement is consistent with an increasing trend; Because only seven out of 50 states currently require such exams.

Massachusetts joins a wave of states questioning whether tests like the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) effectively measure college or career readiness.

The decision removes MCAS from being a degree requirement but continues to use it to monitor student progress.

WHY ARE PEOPLE CANCELING THEIR HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION EXAMS?

Supporters of the change argue that high-stakes testing disproportionately affects vulnerable students, including English language learners and those with disabilities.

Approximately 700 Massachusetts seniors fail to graduate each year despite meeting other academic requirements due to these tests.

Governor Maura Healey supported the uniformity of testing but acknowledged concerns: “We shouldn’t have different expectations of students depending on the zip code they live in.”

On the other side, critics such as Michael Petrilli of the Fordham Institute warn that the decision could lower academic standards.

COUNTRIES THAT ARE AWAY FROM TESTING

At its peak in the mid-2000s, 27 states mandated graduation exams. Now only New York, Florida, Louisiana, Ohio, New Jersey, Texas and Virginia hold them.

New York recently proposed phasing out Regents exam requirements by 2027-28, suggesting alternatives such as community service or capstone projects.

Florida and New Jersey have discussed similar moves, but legislative efforts have stalled. Louisiana, meanwhile, remains the only state without an appeals process for testing requirements.

Proponents of eliminating standardized tests argue that they fail to measure critical thinking, problem-solving and collaboration skills. But critics see these changes as lowering expectations.

The debate about testing continues, but the trend points to a growing consensus: Future-proofing can be better measured by broader, more inclusive criteria.