School tests being put to the test
State education officials are preparing to vote on a proposal to replace the state's math and English public school curricula with national standards.
The state's Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is set to vote Wednesday on whether to accept the new national Common Core standards, which specify what is taught in math and English classes at each grade level.
The guidelines have been promoted by the Obama administration and developed by a state consortium.
Advocates for the change in standards, including Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Mitchell Chester, argue the national guidelines are stronger in some areas than the state's.
WBZ's Ed Walsh speaks with Commissioner Mitchell Chester of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
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Opponents contend that the state's educational system would be weakened by the move, which they say could lead to the end of the MCAS test.
Republican Candidate for Governor Charlie Baker is among the opponents:
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Former Senate President Tom Birmingham helped write the education reform act of 1993:
