Standardized Testing on the Agenda of State Education Board

EVERETT, Mass. (AP) — The future of standardized testing is on the agenda of the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

The board is scheduled to meet Tuesday in Everett to get updates from Commissioner Mitchell Chester on the development of the next-generation MCAS exam and the associated review of English language arts and math standards.

The department has received proposals from two nonprofit companies to help develop a test to replace the 20-year-old Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System exam.

The state decided in 2014 to adopt a new version of the MCAS that will combine elements of the existing test with federal Common Core standards.

The board will also receive updates on the Southbridge and Holyoke public school systems, which were placed under state control because of poor performance.