Statewide High School Graduation Framework

The Healey-Driscoll Administration released a statewide graduation framework that would set nation-leading expectations for every school and prepare all students for success after graduation.

The administration's statewide graduation framework was developed in collaboration with the K-12 Statewide Graduation Council and, if adopted, would represent the most robust education standards the state has ever had. It lays out a core set of subject areas that must be taken by all students before graduation and an assessment system that ensures schools are giving students the skills they need to set them up for success. 

No other state will have implemented such a comprehensive approach to setting such high standards in education, and it does this without relying on high stakes testing. No single test will represent a barrier to graduation for any student, and the 10th Grade MCAS exam would be phased out as part of this new framework.

This framework represents a first step, and the administration is committed to engaging with educators, parents, and all stakeholders to finalize the details.

Framework

This framework consists of 7 elements focused on helping students build a strong academic foundation, demonstrate mastery of course content, show their creativity and develop real-world problem-solving skills. It is a balanced system that values academic rigor, practical skills and personalized planning for all students so that they are set up for success no matter what path they choose to pursue after high school.

Strong Foundations

• Students complete a set of coursework that aligns with admissions requirements for higher education.

Proven Skills

• To show that students have mastered the course content, students complete a limited number of end-of-course (EOC) assessments and a capstone or portfolio.
  • These assessments are different from high stakes testing because students do not have to pass an EOC to graduate. EOCs will be a more targeted and relevant approach to assessment than our current high school MCAS.
  • Capstones are cumulative projects and usually include research, a written assignment, and a final presentation.
  • Portfolios are a collection of students’ best work that demonstrates mastery in one content area or across content areas.

Bright Futures

• Students make their own plan for college or career, complete the FAFSA or MASFA, learn financial literacy, and earn seals of distinction.
  • Massachusetts currently awards the State Seal of Biliteracy to students who attain high functional and academic levels of proficiency in English and a world language in recognition of having studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Overall

• When will these recommendations impact students?

An implementation timeline will be determined through thoughtful and broad-based stakeholder engagement. Different components will likely be phased in over a set period of time.

• Will this cost districts money to implement?

The Graduation Council will continue to meet and assess costs and state resources that may be needed to implement these recommendations.

• Do these recommendations require legislation?

Some of these recommendations do require that state legislation be filed. The administration is assessing the best way to approach implementation.

• Are these recommendations finalized?

The interim report finalizes the framework for new high school graduation requirements in Massachusetts. There are details that still need to be worked out with the Council, educators, parents, and stakeholders. These include the design details of end of course assessments, implementation timelines, etc. Now that the framework is completed, the Council will get to work on more specific details and the implementation plan. 

End of Course Assessments (EOCs)

• Will there be both the 10th grade MCAS and EOCs at the same time?

We intend for students to never take the 10th grade MCAS and EOCs at the same time. The goal is to phase out the 10th grade MCAS, in favor of EOCs.

• Is an end of course assessment a high stakes test, like the MCAS?

No. Failure to pass an end of course assessment alone will not prevent a student from getting a diploma.

• Will students need to pass EOCs in order to graduate?

No. Students will not be required to pass EOCs to earn a diploma. Students will be required to meet the obligations laid out in the framework in order to graduate (e.g., set program of studies, academic and career graduate plan, financial literacy). EOCs will also be a more targeted approach to assessment than our current high school MCAS.

• Will the EOCs “count” for something, such as a student’s grade?

Students will not be required to pass EOCs to earn a diploma. The weight and role of EOCs, as one component of a comprehensive system that validates a student’s readiness to graduate, will need to be further reviewed and discussed with stakeholders before anything is finalized.

• What makes the proposed framework different from current graduation requirements?

Right now, Massachusetts lacks a uniform statewide standard for graduating high school. This framework will not only provide a uniform set of standards that each high school student and school district will need to follow in order to earn/award a diploma. It will also ensure that Massachusetts is the first state in the nation to offer a comprehensive statewide set of student-focused diploma requirements that are rigorous and engaging, aimed at providing students with a full and rich array of options post-graduation.