Fewer English Language Learners dropped out in Worcester in 2020, possibly because of MCAS flexibilities Updated Apr 09, 2021; Members of the Worcester School Committee are examining whether MCAS may be a graduation barrier for English Language Learners based on new graduation and dropout rate data. In 2020, the city saw a decrease in the number of ELL students who dropped out, which happened during the COVID-19 pandemic led the state to offer flexibilities regarding MCAS and competency determinations to graduate. In general, Worcester has a lower dropout rate compared to other urban cities in Massachusetts. However, Worcester Public Schools officials in explaining the data during a school committee meeting on Thursday night noted that it’s hard to compare 2020 graduation and dropout data to years prior because the pandemic caused major academic disruptions.