MALDEN – Bay State education policymakers voted Tuesday to create an MCAS 2.0 standardized testing program that combines elements of the multi-state PARCC exam and the current Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System by 2017.
The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education backed Education Commissioner Mitchell Chester's recommendation to come up with a "next-generation" assessment program that builds off both MCAS, which has been given to Massachusetts students for about 20 years, and the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers system for student evaluations.
It makes no sense to sell yourself or others short at the end of life and commit suicide. Many beautiful bedside conversations take place near the end of life. I remember visiting my uncle and his family at the end of his life. He knew he was dying, but all his family was there keeping him company and celebrating what a good life it had been. We even had wine and cheese. His eyes were aglow in a way that I could not put into words. He was joyful.
When my mother was ill with cancer, she knew her time was short. She wanted to be with family; the time was precious. During those months — six in total — her grandson Luke was born. She was able to old him and spend time with him as well as other grandchildren. Friends visited and kept her company. Neighbors poured themselves out baking and preparing foods for her and our family. Her suffering released love and compassion from many.
