From MCAS to College - Educational Milestones and Postsecondary Success in Massachusetts - White Paper No. 275 - October 2024

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Sarah

From 1993’s Massachusetts Education Reform Act (MERA) and the MCAS statewide assessment to later high school Competency Determination (CD) rules, the paper evaluates long-term effects on postsecondary education outcomes, emphasizing historically underserved students. It analyzes shifts in 10th-grade MCAS performance from 2001–2018, college-readiness benchmarks including advanced coursework, SAT completion and scores, and high school graduation. Postsecondary enrollment and degree completion trends are assessed through 2019, noting widening gaps after NextGen MCAS and COVID-19. Findings highlight gains for low-income and racial/ethnic groups alongside persistent disparities, with policy implications for CD.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages25

Reading Time1 h 3 min

AccessFree to download

Executive Summary

Introduction

Prior Research on MERA

Methodology

Analysis

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Conclusion

References

Endnotes

From MCAS to College: Educational Milestones and Postsecondary Success in Massachusetts By Dr. Kerry L. Donahue WHITE PAPER No. 275 | October 2024 MISSION Pioneer Institute develops and communicates dynamic ideas that advance prosperity and a vibrant civic life in Massachusetts and beyond. Vision Success for Pioneer is when the citizens of our state and nation prosper and our society thrives because we enjoy world-class options in education, healthcare, transportation, and economic opportunity, and when our government is limited, accountable, and transparent. Values Pioneer believes that America is at its best when our citizenry is well-educated, committed to liberty, personal responsibility, and free enterprise, and both willing and able to test their beliefs based on facts and the free exchange of ideas. This paperis a publication of Pioneer Education, which seeks to increase the education options available to parents and students, drive system-wide reform, and ensure accountability in public education. The Center’s work builds on Pioneer’s legacy as a recognized leader in the charter public school movement, and as a champion of greater academic rigor in Massachusetts’ elementary and secondary schools. Current initiatives promote choice and competition, school-based management, and enhanced academic performance in public schools. TRANSPORTATION Pioneer Transportation seeks reforms that allow commuters to take full advantage of the coming mobility revolution—with access to a range of affordable and on-demand public and private transportation options, as well as transit-friendly real estate development. Pioneer Health seeks to refocus the Massachusetts conversation about healthcare costs away from government-imposed interventions, toward marketbased reforms. Current initiatives include driving public discourse on Medicaid, presenting a strong consumer perspective as the state considers a dramatic overhaul of the healthcare payment process, and supporting thoughtful tort reforms. Pioneer Opportunity seeks to keep Massachusetts competitive by promoting a healthy business climate, transparent regulation, small business creation in urban areas, and sound environmental and development policy. Current initiatives promote market reforms to increase the supply of affordable housing, reduce the cost of doing business, and revitalize urban areas. Pioneer Institute is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization funded through the donations of individuals, foundations and businesses committed to the principles Pioneer espouses. To ensure its independence, Pioneer does not accept government grants. Table of Contents Executive Summary _________________________ 4 Introduction _____________________________ 4 Prior Research on MERA ______________________ 6 Methodology _____________________________ 6 Analysis ________________________________ 7 Question 1 ________________________________ 7 Question 2 ________________________________ 10 Question 3 ________________________________ 16 Conclusion _____________________________ 20 References _____________________________ 22 Endnotes ______________________________ 23 3 Executive Summary This paper examines the long-term impact of the 1993 Massachusetts Education Reform Act (MERA) and the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) on postsecondary education outcomes, with a focus on historically underserved students. MERA aimed to improve educational standards and close achievement gaps through the introduction of MCAS, a statewide assessment system, and the high school Competency Determination (CD) requirement for graduation. More than two decades later, questions remain about how these reforms have influenced students’ readiness for and success in postsecondary education. This analysis addresses three key areas: 1. Changes in 10th-grade MCAS performance over time 2. Student participation and success in key college readiness bench

FAQs

该报告研究了MERA和MCAS的哪些长期影响？

报告考察1993年MERA以及MCAS对后续高等教育结果的长期影响，并重点关注历史上服务不足的学生群体。

报告如何衡量学生的大学准备情况？

通过分析10年级MCAS成绩变化，以及学生在大学准备关键基准上的表现，包括高级课程完成、SAT参与与平均分提升，以及高中毕业情况。

主要结论对政策有什么含义？

报告认为，尽管改革提升了更多学生（尤其是历史上代表性不足群体）的后续成功机会，但MCAS成绩差距仍持续存在；如果取消CD相关政策，可能削弱整体学业准备，同时无法解决边缘化学生获得后续学位机会的差异。

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Sarah