MCAS Passing Standards Raised

Starting with the class of 2010, high school students will face higher standards to graduate.

The board of education voted 7 to 2 to impose remedial classes on students who barely pass the MCAS. Currently, students have to score 220 points to graduate. But starting with the class of 2010, sophomores who score between 220 and 240 points must pass college preparatory classes specially designed for them.

The Board of Education is asking the Legislature for at least an additional 25 million dollars to provide the extra help to students.