02-06-2025
Mass. asks public how to replace MCAS grad requirement. How to respond
An online survey launched Monday will expand public input opportunities for people to share ideas on the future of a new statewide high school graduation requirement in Massachusetts.
The survey, along with listening sessions being held across the state, come after voters last November opted to do away with the requirement that public high school students must pass three MCAS tests in language arts, mathematics and science in order to achieve a diploma.
It was one of the most hotly contested ballot questions the state had seen in years — the Massachusetts Teachers Union led the charge to get rid of the MCAS requirement, while many state officials, including Gov. Maura Healey, strongly opposed it.
Now, after the voters have spoken — passing the measure by a wide margin — education officials are assessing what a future requirement may look like to ensure graduates are demonstrating learning and readiness for college, careers and civic life.
The public has until June 30 to complete the online survey, which is available in six languages.
Read more: Springfield invites former students who failed MCAS to apply for a diploma
Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler said listening sessions held so far in Taunton, Worcester and Somerville have provided 'deeply meaningful feedback' and that additional public feedback 'is only going to strength these efforts.
'I encourage everyone to fill out the survey and look forward to engaging with more residents at the remaining listening sessions,' he said.
The last listening sessions will be held in Holyoke and Barnstable on June 5 and 9, respectively. There will be a virtual one, as well, on June 3.
Until the state develops a new statewide requirement, school districts are resorting to local graduation standards and competency determinations set by school committees.
Controversial guidance previously issued by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education said school districts can still use MCAS scores as part of their local graduation requirements. The leaders of the Massachusetts Teachers Association said the guidance circumvented the intention of Question 2 and, ultimately, the will of the voters.
Similarly, the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education recently approved the 'limited use' of MCAS scores to determine if students are satisfying the competency determination for a high school diploma, also drawing blowback from the teachers union.
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Read the original article on MassLive.
