‘But the mother knows. ...’: Joan ‘Snow Day’ Vennochi has found another reason to bash MCAS: Nine-year-olds can get bummed out. ... Actually, she make an excellent point: “In this particular case, these particular MCAS results show something about testing skills but nothing about reading skills.” Why do I think she makes an excellent point? Because I used to be the Worst Test Taker in history. I’d choke every time. True or false questions. Multiple choice. Essays. Neon lights pointing to the correct answer. You name it, I’d choke. ... How did I get by? Here’s a hint: Amazing peripheral vision. ...

... My main problem with MCAS is not the existence of tests, but the existence of too many tests. Die-hard proponents of MCAS seem to be a little too test happy. Cut back the number of tests to, say, three or four in the run up to the big one in the 18th year -- enough to gauge where children are headed and to avert disaster at the end. ... I firmly believe the worst aspects of MCAS would have been changed by now had it not been for the snobby fanaticism of MCAS opponents. The MCAS critics have never sought smart compromise -- just total annihilation in the courts or through legislative subterfuge. Critics haven’t acknowledged the undeniable benefits of MCAS, so why should others listen to their undeniable concerns about specific aspects of MCAS? ...   ¶ 9:42 AM