Maura Healey and the unraveling of America’s greatest school system
For three years, the finest school system in America has faltered under Gov. Maura Healey (D-MA). Now, as she gears up for reelection, Healey will be reciting a familiar litany of misleading statistics and feel-good buzzwords about her education “successes.”
TL;DR
- Massachusetts' education system has declined under Governor Maura Healey, despite claims of being ranked number one.
- Scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) have worsened, not improved.
- The state's once-significant lead in eighth-grade math has diminished, with more states now within 10 points of Massachusetts.
- Third-grade reading proficiency has fallen and remained stagnant for two years.
- A widening achievement gap exists between affluent and poorer students, with wealthier districts outperforming more diverse cities.
- Policies like free community college are prioritized over early education, which research suggests is more impactful.
- Despite significant spending on early reading programs, third-grade literacy has not improved.
- The state is moving away from high-stakes testing requirements to 'high expectations,' which critics see as a lack of accountability.