The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System, better known as MCAS, has been the way academic progress has been measured in Massachusetts being only one of just 8 states where the test is a graduation requirement. According to ABC 6 in Providence, parents and advocacy groups that consist of parents, former teachers, and educators around the Commonwealth are looking to change. While passing the 10th grade MCAS is a requirement to earn a high school diploma, there is no state penalty for students who opt out in grades 3 through 8 as Students can choose to not take the exams with parental approval. Lisa Guisbond, executive director for Citizens for Public Schools hopes the new Healey administration will lead to change on how standardized tests are considered in the Commonwealth.