Superintendent Brenda Cassellius’ defence of announcing a new exam school test in the face of the BPS Task Force’s unanimous opposition

“I have previously stated that a new assessment is the next best step forward to expanding equitable access to the exam schools for all BPS students, particularly our Black and Latinx students, who have been underrepresented historically. This new exam is untimed, tests students on material they have learned in school, is aligned to the Massachusetts state standards, and has been validated and reviewed for bias. While I am not putting forth a recommendation to suspend the administration of an exam school entrance test, given the significant improvements being made with our new vendor that prioritize equity at the core, I appreciate the role the Opportunity and Achievement Gaps Task Force plays in advising the Boston School Committee on equity and antiracist policies and practices. I look forward to continued collaboration with my colleagues and partners on the OAG Task Force and across all stakeholder groups in our critical work ahead.”