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SEPTEMBER 20, 2000

In a special meeting today, the Massachusetts Commission on Indian Affairs will look at the scores of Native American students, many of whom failed certain portions of a statewide exam last year.

The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System exam is taken by students in Grade 4, Grade 8, and Grade 10 and covers English, Mathematics, and Science and Technology. History and Social Science is also taken by Grade 8 students.

Native American students outperformed African-American and Hispanic on almost all sections of the test and in all grade levels. However, Indian students trailed Asian-Americans and White students in the state.

Additionally, some 81 percent of Grade 8 Indian students failed the History and Social Science portion. Some 77 percent of Grade 10 students failed the Mathematics portion.

The MCAS is a controversial test and is opposed by many parents, educators, and students. Beginning in 2001, all 10th graders will be required to pass the test in order to graduate.

Get the 1999 Test Scores Report:
Report of 1999 Massachusetts and Local School District MCAS Results by Race/Ethnicity (Mass Dept of Ed. May 2000)

Get the Story:
Commission to look at Indians performance on MCAS (AP 9/19)

Relevant Links:
The Massachusetts Department of Education - www.doe.mass.edu/mcas