Frequently Asked Questions about the Legislative Hearings on MCAS 
June 20, 2001

Where is Gardner Auditorium?

The auditorium is in the State House. When facing the front of the building on Beacon St., the auditorium is to the far right of the building. Enter at street level to the right of the main stairs. Take stairs or elevator down to the basement level. 

How do I get there? 

- Taking the T: The T-stop nearest the State House is Park Street on the Red Line. Other fairly close stops are: Orange Line at Down Town Crossing (walk towards Boston Common); the Green Line at Boylston Street, (on the Boston Common); or the Blue Line at State Street (walk to Boston Common). 

- Driving and Parking: There are a few private garages surrounding the State House and near DownTown Crossing. There is hourly-metered parking on main streets around the State House. Call the State House (722-2000) for exact driving instructions. 

How will I find CARE when I arrive?

Our table will be in the lobby in front of the auditorium. Please stop by to meet, get the latest information on the hearing and pick up a "No MCAS" button.

How do I testify?

You can sign up to testify when you arrive. Sign up begins at 9:30 am. Bring at least two copies of your testimony in writing (20 copies is sufficient). 

What is the time limit to testify? 

You will get three minutes to speak. A speech lasting 3 minutes is about one page, single-spaced, or about 400 words. 

What should I testify about? 

Your experiences, thoughts and feelings about the MCAS, and what you think needs to be done about it. However, because the time limit is short, we suggest emphasizing the issues that are MOST important to you and which you think are the MOST important for legislators to know about. You should address your talk to the education committee and say at the beginning what you want the committee to do (repeal MCAS, end high-stakes use, replace etc, support a particular bill, etc). 

Are there specific bills I should support? 

It is best to speak to a specific bill, but not necessary. Senate Bill 255 best meets CARE's main goals: end the high-stakes use of MCAS for high-school graduation and replace MCAS with a better accountability system based on CARE's proposal. Several other bills that end the high-stakes use of MCAS also meet CARE's goals. A list of these bills can be found on the web at www.caremass.org. 

Do I have to testify in order to attend the hearing? 

Absolutely not. In fact, you send an important message just by attending. However, we strongly encourage you to bring written testimony and submit it to the Education Committee and to your local legislators. If you can't attend you can still mail it. See our web site for more info.

When will the hearings end? 

Every legislative hearing is different. We have been informed that legislators will stay into the evening to hear all those present. While you are waiting to testify, please go and visit your local legislators' offices at the State House to let them know your concerns about MCAS. 

If I can't attend the hearing or testify in person is there something else I can do?

YES. 

- Send your testimony to CARE and we will submit it for you at the hearing.
- Call your local legislators and send them a copy of your testimony.
- Tell others and/or post the flyer in your neighborhood (find it at www.caremass.org).
- Call or write your local paper and let them know about the hearings and your views on MCAS.



For more information Call CARE at 617/864-4810