2 Former Mass. Education Chiefs Back Test Changes

Two former state education commissioners are backing a proposal that would require Massachusetts to replace its own math and English public education standards with proposed federal guidelines.

Robert Antonucci and David Driscoll said embracing the national Common Core standards represents an advancement over the state's current testing regimen.

Critics say the national standards could eventually lead to schools dropping the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System, or MCAS, tests.

That's prompted criticism from supporters of the MCAS, who said the tests have helped boost student scores.

Antonucci and Driscoll say the state's curriculum on English and math had a clear influence on the creation of the national standards, which they say will help Massachusetts students remain competitive with other states.