From the Desk of
Richard J. Robison, Executive Director

April 1999

MCAS is Back!

This spring, for the second year, Massachusetts students will participate in the now infamous MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System ) tests. Last year’s statewide results indicated that 93% of students on IEPs who took the tests placed in the categories of “failing” or “needs improvement.” The good news was that over 97% of all students were included in the testing process. But these results have left some parents asking why students with special needs should take the MCAS at all. They fear their children are being set up for failure and may suffer negative effects, including a blow to their self-esteem. However, with proper support and planning, the experience can be an esteem booster as every child can take pride in a job well done.

It is important to remember that both federal and state laws require the participation of all students in the MCAS tests. The laws also require that students with disabilities be appropriately included in the tests, either through the use of accommodations or an alternate exam. Parents of students who are on IEPs and slated to take the MCAS this year should speak with their team liaison about how their child will participate in the tests: under routine conditions, with specific accommodations, or through an alternate assessment. IDEA-97 requires the state to provide alternate tests by July 1, 2000, for students who can’t show what they know or are able to do through a regular test even with accommodations. The Massachusetts Department of Education is in the process of creating such exams, but they will not be ready this year. Therefore, for this year, each school district must develop any alternate assessments they deem necessary and report on them to the state.

IDEA-97 now specifically requires that all students with disabilities have access to the general education curriculum. It also requires their participation in the assessments so they can show their knowledge of the curriculum. Participation in the MCAS not only holds students accountable, but more importantly, holds schools accountable for ensuring that all students receive a high quality education. Furthermore, beginning with the class of 2003 (current 8th graders), only students who pass the 10th grade test will be allowed to graduate. Therefore it is essential that all students, including students with disabilities, be taught the necessary material.

Kids thrive when they are rewarded for their real achievements. They must be given opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge. While my instinctive reaction is to be protective, I have learned from my children that the high expectations they have for themselves more than justify the risks. My job is to help ensure that the proper supports and services are in place.

Please accept my best wishes for improved results for all the students to be assessed this spring.

Dr. Richard J. Robison

became Executive Director of the Federation in April of 1997. Dr. Robison has over 20 years experience with the management of nonprofit volunteer organizations as well as six years experience in state government as a senior policy analyst to the Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Mental Retardation. The parent of three children, two of whom have Down syndrome, he is knowledgeable in a broad range of relevant content areas. He was appointed to serve a second 3-year term on the State Advisory Council for special education required under IDEA, is an elected member of the Sudbury, Massachusetts, School Board, serves on the AAUAP Consumer Affairs Council, and in Spring 1997, he was appointed by Secretary of Education Richard Riley to serve on the Goals 2000 “America Goes Back to School” Steering Committee.