Project Dropout: Does The MCAS Cause Students To Drop Out?

Put your books on the floor, take out a number 2 pencil, it's time for the MCAS.

Since Massachusetts implemented this high stakes test 15 years ago, it's been controversial. And debate is about to flare up as changes to the rules make the English and math sections more difficult to pass. One of the central arguments is whether or not MCAS is causing kids to dropout.

In our continuing series "Project Dropout," WBUR's Monica Brady-Myerov looks at the relationship between high stakes testing and dropping out.

This is an excerpt of a special Project Dropout report. To see and hear the full story, go to ProjectDropout.org.