Post MCAS, here's how the state proposes measuring graduation readiness
Here's what to know:
State would require students to pass specific classes
Massachusetts law requires all students to demonstrate their competency to graduate high school. To meet this so-called 'competency determination,' students since 2003 had been required to pass 10th grade MCAS exams.
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That changed in November, with
Now, the state education department is proposing a new way for students to demonstrate their competency and, thus, meet state-level expectations.
Under the department's proposed regulatory changes, presented at Tuesday's board meeting, the state would for the first time require students to master specific coursework. Specifically, students, beginning with the class of 2026, would be required to satisfactorily complete at least the following classes:
two years of high school English Language Arts
Algebra I and Geometry or Integrated Math I and II
one year of biology, physics, chemistry, or technology/engineering
In addition, the students in the class of 2026 and beyond also would need to show 'mastery' in those classes. Students can demonstrate mastery, according to the proposed regulation, through an end-of-course exam, portfolio of work, or an equivalent measure determined by a local district.
The proposed regulation adds US history as a required course and area of mastery for students beginning with the class of 2027.
State: Changes would restore equity
Some advocates in the wake of Question 2 worried the lack of a uniform graduation requirement could lead to inequitable student learning experiences.
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Robert Curtin, chief officer for data, assessment, and accountability for the department, said the state's proposed regulations are intended to provide a 'minimum level of equity across districts.'
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The new competency determination would serve as a baseline graduation standard for all students in the state and would apply in conjunction with a local district's graduation requirements. For example, a local district also may require students to pass two years of a foreign language.
Critics of the proposed regulation, though, argue it isn't rigorous enough.
A coalition of advocacy groups, including the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education and the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, is calling on the department to incorporate G.P.A. requirements into the regulation, for example.
Fight over MCAS scores continues
Under the department's proposal, students without access to traditional transcripts, such as migrant or homeschooled students, could use a passing MCAS score to satisfy the state-level competency determination.
The advocacy groups say all students should have that opportunity — an option backed during Tuesday's meeting by vice chair Matt Hills, of Newton.
The state's largest teachers union, meanwhile, said the continued use of MCAS scores in determining a student's fate 'would undermine the goal of Question 2, which was to promote more authentic teaching and learning.'
'What we learned during the Question 2 campaign from students, educators and families is that they want schools that focus on the critical thinking skills and academic foundations that matter, and not on test prep,' Massachusetts Teachers Association President Max Page and Vice President Deb McCarthy said in a joint statement.
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The state board on Tuesday agreed to present the department's formal proposal for public feedback. But it will also ask, at Hill's request, that the public weigh in on whether MCAS scores should be included as an option for the competency determination.
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is accepting public comments on the proposed regulations through April 4. The state education board is scheduled to issue a final vote on the regulations on May 5.
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