U.S. Education Department Gives ‘Initial’ Approval For MCAS Waiver

MALDEN – The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has sought flexibility around this spring’s MCAS, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The U.S. Department of Education has given initial approval to DESE’s application for an assessment waiver.

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The Baker-Polito Administration also has filed legislation that would allow Massachusetts Education Commissioner Jeffrey Riley to modify or waive this year’s MCAS testing requirement.

The proposed legislation would also permit the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, upon the commissioner’s recommendation, to modify or waive the required competency determination for high school graduation.

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These actions will give the commissioner the flexibility to take appropriate action as more information becomes available, said DESE today, March 30.