Low MCAS Scores Expose Failures of Progressive Education Policies

Boston, MA – September 29, 2025 — The latest MCAS results reveal steep declines in student performance across Massachusetts, raising questions about years of progressive education policies that have left many children unprepared for success.

State data show that only 42 percent of students in grades 3 through 8 met expectations in English Language Arts, and just 41 percent did so in math. High school results were not much better, with 51 percent meeting English standards and 45 percent meeting math. Science scores were also disappointing, with less than half of students reaching grade-level expectations. These figures remain well below pre-pandemic benchmarks, highlighting how far behind many students still are.

Conservatives point to the elimination of the MCAS graduation requirement, approved by voters last year, as a sign of lowering standards rather than confronting the real issue: failing schools and a lack of accountability. Without the test serving as a serious benchmark, many fear Massachusetts is heading down a path of grade inflation and diminished expectations.

Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler and Commissioner Pedro Martinez called the results “sobering,” but critics argue the problems go deeper. Pandemic disruptions were real, but the state’s continued focus on social agendas, instead of reading, writing, and math, has left students without the basics they need. Chronic absenteeism, affecting nearly one in five students, reflects a breakdown in discipline and responsibility.

While only 13 districts in the state matched or exceeded pre-pandemic results in both English and math, the vast majority continue to struggle. Well-funded liberal policies have not delivered results, and parents are demanding more transparency, higher standards, and school choice options that put students first.

Massachusetts was once a national leader in education, but the current trajectory shows that without a return to accountability, discipline, and a focus on core academics, the Commonwealth’s students will continue to fall behind.