YOUR MAY 23 editorial urges that Massachusetts address its relatively high dropout rate by emulating New Hampshire, which mandates that students stay in school until 18, rather than 16. The editorial fails to mention another major difference between New Hampshire and Massachusetts education policy. Unlike Massachusetts, our neighbor to the north has no graduation test.
National independent research has shown that graduation tests, especially tougher tests such as the MCAS, depress high school graduation rates. Ironically, this effect is greatest for groups policy makers say they most want to help: students with disabilities and English language learners.
Researchers also find that graduation tests do not have a positive impact on employment status, earnings, or enrollment in postsecondary education.
Our students would benefit if Massachusetts emulates New Hampshire by eliminating our expensive and unproductive graduation tests. House Bill 1955, cosponsored by Representative Carl Sciortino and Senator James Eldridge, would help by replacing the high-stakes MCAS with a truly comprehensive assessment system.
Lisa Guisbond
Policy analyst
FairTest
Jamaica Plain 
