Joyce H. Bol: Offer two types of diplomas instead

Voting for Question 2 is a difficult question for me. I moved here from New York state four years ago after teaching in New York’s educational system for over 30 years.

In New York, we have the state Regents Exams to obtain a New York Regents high school diploma. However, many students interested in a vocational job, such as high-paying plumbers or electricians, etc., opt to get a diploma which state high schools offer. In Massachusetts, only the MCAS exists for all students.

It is true as MCAS opponents mention that teachers will teach to the test. However, most MCAS students enjoy that type of competition to get them ready for the multitude of colleges available to them and where they will also encounter a high degree of competition.

If we in Massachusetts eliminate the MCAS, our smart students will have to rely on their high SAT scores to be admitted to their university of choice. The best solution for Massachusetts high schools is to offer two different types of diplomas.

Joyce H. Bol

Northampton