MCAS Grade 8 Civics case studies
MCAS Grade 8 Civics · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Grade 8 Civics MCAS is one component of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System, the set of statewide standardized tests administered by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Massachusetts students in grade 8 take a civics test in addition to the English language arts, mathematics, and science tests scheduled at other grades. The MCAS Grade 8 Civics case studies are 5 cases and about 2,921 words.
1Plastic Bag Ban: Town Ordinance vs. State Preemption
Fairview, a town of 42,000 residents, adopted a plastic-bag ordinance in March by a 6-3 town council vote. The ordinance bans single-use plastic bags at grocery stores and charges 5 cents for paper bags, citing litter cleanup costs of about $85,000 per year.
597 words, about 3 min2The Veto Override Math in the State Legislature
The state legislature passed a 1.2 billion transportation bill, 82-38 in the 120-member House and 27-13 in the 40-member Senate. The bill would raise the gas tax by 4 cents per gallon to repair 37 bridges rated structurally deficient.
534 words, about 3 min3The School's Message-Clothing Approval Policy
Riverside Middle School (grades 6-8; 720 students) adopted a policy requiring students to submit any shirt with a written message to the assistant principal for approval at least two days before wearing it. The policy says messages may be denied if they are 'political, controversial, or likely to distract.' In October, an eighth grader named Maya submitted a shirt reading 'Fund Our Schools' before a town vote on a school budget override.
588 words, about 3 min4The Backpack Search and the Vaping Tip
At Central Middle School, a teacher reported seeing three students in a restroom passing around a small blue device that looked like a vape. The assistant principal, Mr.
584 words, about 3 min5The Petition Drive for a Town Park
In the town of Millbrook (18,400 registered voters), a group called Save the Fields wants voters to decide whether to sell 12 acres of town-owned land to a developer for $2.4 million or keep it as a park. The town charter allows citizens to propose an ordinance by petition.
618 words, about 3 min