Starting with the class of 2003, tenth graders will have to pass the MCAS. However, they should not have to take a test to see if they are qualified to graduate from high school.

Some students work very hard in school and put all their effort into their schoolwork; to put such emphasis on the performance in one test is just down right wrong.

MCAS puts unnecessary pressure on teenagers. Schools will see a rise in suicides and a rise in the drop out rate.

Teenagers have protested against the MCAS, and some have even refused to take the test. Teachers are protesting, too, because the MCAS puts pressure on them as well.

Parents are the most upset and worried about the whole issue.

Special education students will have the hardest time trying to pass the MCAS. The legislature of Mass. needs to rethink what it is doing to the lives of teenagers.

With MCAS in the way, students will have to put their dreams on hold.