Should Candy Be Allowed During MCAS?

Introduction

When it comes to MCAS testing, McCall has a very strict policy: No candy and gum! Most teachers firmly stand by this rule, and do not even allow Jolly Ranchers during the tests. Students are very against this. They think that candy should be allowed for the testing. So, which side is right? Lets take a look at the reasons for each opinion to find out.

Why Should It Be Allowed?

There are many reasons that allowing candy and gum during MCAS is a great idea. First of all, it helps students focus. If students are able to focus more, then MCAS grades will improve. This, of course, would be amazing! Getting good grades on tests like MCAS is also motivating for students. They then want to continue receiving positive grades, maybe even leading to more better grades in school overall. Students that we spoke with did confirm that they like to keep an A streak.

Secondly, getting to have candy for MCAS takes away some of the negativity around the test. Students look forward to the test a little, knowing that they will get to have something sweet. It does not seem right to take away this fun, exciting experience. This is especially because it is associated with standardized testing, something that has a very poor reputation! Our school had a wonderful chance to make MCAS a little more popular. Don't they want us to enjoy learning?

Why Shouldn't It Be Allowed?

It is true that, sometimes, students will bring too much food. They focus more on eating than doing their work. Also, this surplus amount of sugar is bad for their teeth, and sometimes metabolism. Furthermore, it gives consumers sugar rushes, which is hard for teachers. Then, when the crash arrives, getting through school is more difficult. At the end of the day, people may get a worse grade on the MCAS!

Also, the eating is sometimes noisy. Things like unwrapping, munching, and such are apart of the problem. Students we asked reported that even the sound of gum being chewed on can distract them. Once again, this may lower kids' grades, which is terrible. Besides, the whole experience can be very stressful! We want, of course, for everyone to have a positive time with testing.

Solutions To The Problems

When it comes to bringing in too much candy, it would be totally reasonable for the school to set a limit. Maybe they could say, like, only five pieces per test. This way, nobody would have too much, and the focus would be able to shift more to testing. It is very hard to be distracted by just a few pieces of candy. Something like that would successfully eliminate the problem.

For the second issue, there are many ways to reduce the noice caused by students' food. First, kids can unwrap all of their candies prior to the test. We have seen this done in other schools, and it did the trick. Another adjustment that they can make is limiting all snacks to hard candies. Gum has definitely proven to be way too loud. If all of these rules are followed, testing classrooms can be as quiet with candy as they are without!

Conclusion

When you look at all of the facts, the answer is clear: candy should be allowed during MCAS! Teachers do, of course, have their reasons for depriving us of our candy privileges. However, a couple minor refinements are all it takes to make the experience of bringing in sweets flawless!