For Immediate Release
June 28, 1999
Please Contact: Colin Durrant (617)722-1650 or
Dalié Jiménez, 617-722-1650

Driscoll to Meet with Cambridge Parents and Teachers, Discuss MCAS

Cambridge -- In response to an invitation from Representative Jarrett Barrios, Commissioner David Driscoll of the State Department of Education has agreed to meet with the parents and teachers of Cambridge school children to discuss the controversial MCAS tests. This is the first meeting of its kind between the Commissioner and local community.

"Several parents came to me with concerns over the current state of the MCAS," said Representative Barrios. "I invited Commissioner Driscoll to come and address these issues personally. He graciously accepted, and we hope to have a comprehensive discussion."

This year was particularly controversial in Cambridge, as several 4th graders at the Cambridgeport School boycotted the whole testing process. Those opposed to the testing feel that it places unnecessary stress on school children, and does not deliver an accurate perspective on a student’s performance. Initially designed to promote accountability in the State’s school systems. The benefit to these tests is that they provide information on the performance of individual students, and the entire school system. This is the aspect that Commissioner Driscoll hopes will provide all schools with the diagnostic information to deliver the best possible education.

"I think its important to bring the Commissioner and parents together to discuss their perspectives in a spirit of listening," said Cambridgeport Principal Lynn Stewart. "The Commissioner has good intentions, and the parents have legitimate concerns, we’re grateful for the opportunity to have this discussion."

The town meeting is co-sponsored by Representative Jarrett Barrios and Cambridge United for Education, and is set to take place on Thursday, July 1st from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Cambridge Rindge and Latin in the media cafeteria. Parents and Teachers from Cambridge are welcome.

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