School committee members reflect the attitudes of parents like Ward and King: a mix of philosophical support for the idea of testing and frustration with the implementation of the exam.

"I don't oppose testing," says committee member E. Denise Simmons. "I oppose, 'Your life begins or ends on this test.'"

Though MCAS is a state initiative, the exam has put pressure on local schools officials, who will likely face a dilemma in 2003, when for the first time graduation will be based on passing the MCAS.

"The state does need a way to take a quick temperature of how the schools are doing," Walser says.

But, she says, "I think we should put the burden on the state to come up with a test that people can buy into more."

D'Alessandro says the district has a "clear mandate" to administer the test and MCAS results help schools officials to identify areas of need in the district and allow teachers to identify subjects where students need more help.

"It's a wonderful way to get information for school planning and individual students," she says.

According to D'Alessandro, students boycotting the test will hurt the district's standing, because the state does not distinguish between students who take the test and fail it and those who receive failing marks because they boycotted the test.