Yesterday, Massachusetts voters approved Question 2, to eliminate the use of MCAS as a high school graduation requirement. M.A.S.S. Executive Director Mary Bourque issued the following statement about the loss of the Commonwealth’s only statewide standard for earning a high school diploma and moving beyond MCAS to consider other measures of student learning: bit.ly/3ChN8kC
Thank you to the Massachusetts School Building Authority for a help and informative webinar this AM for our members. We always enjoy this partnership!
As Dr. Thomas Milaschewski begins his fourth year as Superintendent of Reading Public Schools, the Daily Times Chronicle highlights his plans to elevate the district and create a “vibrant experience” for students. bit.ly/40iPQR4
How can MA parents & educators navigate the upcoming vote on the MCAS? Experts will discuss at the next #AskwithForum @harvardeducation M.A.S.S. ED @Dr_Bourque will be a panelist. This is in person. Register - bit.ly/4eE3fqG
As early voting begins this week, we want to take this opportunity to reiterate the position of M.A.S.S. opposing Question 2. ![]()
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🎓 If approved, Question 2 would eliminate the only statewide standard for high school graduation in Massachusetts.![]()
🎓 The ballot question fails to stipulate a replacement for MCAS exams as a graduation requirement, leaving each city and town to set their own standards for earning a high school diploma.![]()
🎓 At the same time, we believe that Grade 10 MCAS exams alone are insufficient as the statewide standard for graduation and have called upon State leaders to begin a process immediately after Election Day – regardless of the outcome of Question 2 – for developing and adopting a more comprehensive set of requirements for students to demonstrate competency.![]()
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We also believe it is important to clarify the scope of Question 2. The ballot question:![]()
🚫 Does not reduce or eliminate MCAS testing at any grade level.![]()
🚫 Does not change the use of MCAS exams in the State accountability system.![]()
🚫 Does not stipulate a new statewide standard for high school graduation.![]()
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The recent Boston Globe editorial opposing Question 2 underscores the importance of the high school graduation requirement as a critical factor in Massachusetts’ success leading the nation in education reform. The editorial also counters some of the arguments in favor of Question 2 and corrects misinformation about the ballot question. Read the editorial: bit.ly/3Y4Cghl![]()
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➡️ M.A.S.S. position statement on Question 2: bit.ly/3N1icHH![]()
➡️ M.A.S.S. letter to State leaders: bit.ly/3ZTUXXz![]()
➡️ No on 2: Protect Our Kids’ Future (campaign website): bit.ly/4eCNdh1![]()
➡️ Secretary of State’s Information for Voters Book: bit.ly/3BCJm54