Don’t be satisfied with status quo; PARCC’s the 21st-century solution

Rather than being content with the status quo, we should take every necessary step to ensure Massachusetts children have the best education possible.

But the status is quo is exactly what the Lowell Sun’s recent editorial on PARCC supports. (“Conflict aside, why mess withsuccess?” July 9).

The editorial distracts from the real issue, which is what is best for students. The answer is PARCC. While it’s true Massachusetts is the national leader in education, we continue to stagnate in key areas. Just as important, we must give our children the knowledge and tools to be successful on an increasingly competitive economy.

That’s exactly what PARCC does. Unlike MCAS, which was adopted in the 1990s and never designed to measure college and career readiness, PARCC better prepares students for the 21st century — emphasizing the high-level skills needed to succeed in college and in life, such as critical thinking and problem solving.

Massachusetts leads the nation in education in part because we possess the foresight to make innovative changes when necessary. Let’s focus on what is best for our students. Let’s embrace 21st century thinking and make the permanent switch to PARCC.

LINDSAY SOBEL

Executive Director, Teach Plus Massachusetts