Press Release  Governor Healey Releases Final Recommendations to Modernize High School Graduation Requirements

Boston — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today released final recommendations for a statewide high school graduation framework designed to ensure every Massachusetts student graduates prepared for college, careers and civic life. 

The recommendations are the result of more than 18 months of work in collaboration with the K-12 Statewide Graduation Council and were informed by extensive engagement with students, families, educators, employers, community partners, advocates and subject matter experts across Massachusetts. 

Building on the administration’s Vision of a Massachusetts Graduate and Initial Statewide Graduation Framework, the final recommendations establish a set of expectations for all students while creating new opportunities for career exploration, civic engagement and digital learning. The recommendations include expanded access to MassCore coursework, work-based learning experiences, civics readiness, and artificial intelligence and digital literacy. If adopted, this framework would create the most comprehensive statewide graduation requirements in the nation. 

"Every student deserves a great education that prepares them for success after high school, whether they choose college, a career, service or another path,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We've spent the last 18 months listening to students, families, educators and employers about what young people need to succeed. These recommendations raise the bar while expanding opportunity, helping ensure every student has access to the coursework, real-world experiences and skills they need to build a successful future.” 

"We heard from students, educators, employers and families across Massachusetts, and the message was clear: young people need both strong academic preparation and real-world skills,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These recommendations reflect that feedback and will help ensure every student graduates ready for whatever path they choose next." 

Every student should have access to the coursework needed to pursue college, career and workforce opportunities after graduation. The administration’s final recommendations include that students complete MassCore, a research-backed program of study that meets public higher education admissions requirements and is a strong predictor of postsecondary success. MassCore includes required classes in English, mathematics, lab-based science, history, world language, arts, and five additional "core" courses. 

The administration is strongly encouraging all school districts to fully meet MassCore for the incoming 9th grade class in the fall of 2027. MassCore is already widely used in districts, with approximately 74 percent having local graduation requirements that meet or exceed MassCore unit requirements for all core academic subjects. To support districts in meeting MassCore, the administration will be opening $500,000 in total in grants this summer.  

“The Graduation Council’s recommendations create a rigorous and nation leading standard that is relevant to the realities students will face after high school,” said Secretary of Education Steve Zrike. “It is critical that a Massachusetts diploma signals to employers, higher education, caregivers, students, educators and to school districts that a graduate is prepared for post-secondary success regardless of their chosen path." 

"These comprehensive high school graduation recommendations are a once-in-a-generation chance to better prepare Massachusetts students for success, especially the students who are furthest from opportunity," said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. "As co-chair of the Statewide Graduation Council, I know how much research, input and care went into this work, and as a first-generation high school and college graduate, I know how important it is to help students build their path to a promising future." 

Additional Recommendations 

Work-based Learning 

Students will engage in work-based learning experiences through a required college or career plan (My Career and Academic Plan, or MyCAP) that incorporates specific milestones. These experiences could include apprenticeships, internships, co-ops, service-learning experiences or career-connected projects that support career exploration and preparation. 

Governor Healey has expanded access to career-connected educational opportunities through investments in career technical education programs, Early College, Innovation Career Pathways, and MyCAP.  

Civics Readiness 

Students will develop civic knowledge and skills through coursework and applied learning experiences. This summer will be the start of Teaching for Civic Empowerment, a statewide educator learning initiative to strengthen civics instruction across schools. The initiative provides free, high-quality professional learning opportunities, including no-cost courses for elementary and secondary educators. 

Financial Literacy 

Students will complete a financial literacy module aligned with the state's existing high school standards for personal financial literacy as a required MyCAP milestone. To support local flexibility, the module may be offered through a virtual DESE-developed module, a standalone locally delivered course or as part of another course, such as mathematics. 

The recommendation reflects extensive feedback from students, families, educators and employers who emphasized the importance of real-world skills alongside academic preparation. Financial literacy helps young people navigate important decisions about budgeting, credit, borrowing, saving and investing, and prepares them for success after high school. 

AI and Digital Literacy 

All students would complete an AI and digital literacy learning module through a required MyCAP milestone to build foundational knowledge about emerging technologies, responsible use of AI tools and AI’s impact on education, work and everyday life. 

Last year, the administration released guidance for Artificial Intelligence in K–12 education and AI Literacy for educators. These resources support district leaders in developing local guidance and policies on responsibly integrating AI tools, strengthening AI literacy and adapting to emerging technologies. 

The statewide graduation framework builds on the administration’s “Reimagining High School Initiative,” which aims to make certain that Massachusetts students are prepared for college or careers when they graduate from high school.  

Secretary Quotes 

Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones: 

“Massachusetts’ continued success depends on retaining and developing a skilled workforce, and that starts with connecting students to experiences both inside and outside the classroom. Requiring work-based learning will ensure all students can gain exposure, skills, and awareness of career pathways in existing and emerging industries that drive local and regional economies.” 

Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon: 

“Creating a safer and stronger Commonwealth starts with investing in the next generation. This framework will help ensure that every student graduates with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to succeed in college, careers, and civic life. When young people have the tools to succeed, communities are stronger, civic engagement grows, and we build a safer, stronger Massachusetts for everyone.” 

Veteran Services Secretary Eric Goralnick:   

“As a parent, I want every Massachusetts student to have the opportunity to succeed, and that includes the children of our veterans and service members who sacrifice so much. This graduation framework ensures that every student leaves high school ready to contribute, serve, and lead. The Executive Office of Veterans Services is proud to support this important step forward for our students and our Commonwealth." 

Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Juana Matias:

“Every young person deserves the opportunity to build a stable and successful life in Massachusetts. As someone whose own journey was shaped by access to education and opportunity, I know that stability starts long before a person finds a home. It begins with the knowledge, support, and skills that help young people navigate college, careers, financial independence, and civic life. These proposed graduation requirements are an important investment in the future of our students and our communities.”

Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley:

“Massachusetts’ greatest competitive advantage is our talent. These recommendations help ensure that students graduate with the academic foundation, practical skills, and career awareness needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving economy. By expanding access to rigorous coursework, work-based learning, financial literacy, and AI and digital literacy, we are preparing the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and skilled workers who will drive Massachusetts’ competitiveness and economic growth for years to come.”

Technology Services and Security Secretary Jason Snyder:  
"Preparing students for the future means ensuring they have the skills to navigate an increasingly digital and AI-powered world. These recommendations make AI and digital literacy an essential part of every student's educational journey while maintaining a strong focus on academic rigor and opportunity. By embedding these competencies into graduation requirements, Massachusetts is helping all students graduate ready for college, careers, and civic life." 

Statements of Support 

State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg: 

 ”Amid rising costs and economic uncertainty, financial literacy is more important than ever for today’s young people. I applaud the Graduation Council’s recommendation to include financial education in the high school MyCAP program as a step in the right direction. It will provide greater opportunities for Massachusetts students to have access to knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions and achieve financial security." 

House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano: 

"As a former teacher, I know what students are capable of when we set high expectations. The House looks forward to partnering with the administration on these efforts, because every student, in every classroom, deserves to be held to the same high standard. I want to thank the members of the Statewide K-12 Graduation Council for the work that informed these recommendations, and the administration for its commitment to ensuring that a Massachusetts diploma carries real meaning for every graduate in the Commonwealth." 

Representative Alice H. Peisch, Assistant Majority Leader: 

“It is essential that our graduation frameworks reflect the skills, knowledge, and experiences students need to succeed in college, careers, and civic life. I believe the Graduation Council’s final report outlines a set of standards that establish a strong and equitable foundation for student success while preparing young people to meet the opportunities and challenges of a rapidly changing world. I look forward to continuing this important work as we strive to ensure every student has access to a high-quality, meaningful high school experience that prepares them for success beyond graduation." 

Representative Ken Gordon, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education: 

“We are at the beginning of a new chapter in graduation standards in Massachusetts. This report provides a roadmap for working together to expand opportunities for students while ensuring strong oversight and accountability across our school districts.” 

Representative Andy Vargas (Haverhill):  

"This is a crucial step toward making sure every Massachusetts graduate leaves high school ready for college, career, and civic life. I appreciate the focus on high expectations for all students and the flexibility and support for districts to achieve it. Ultimately, the highest form of educational equity is setting high expectations for all our kids and backing them up to meet or exceed them. I am particularly excited about the civics education component, which complements the 2018 civics law and the Civics Education Trust Fund. Furthermore, the FAFSA/MASFA recommendations are a vital and evidence-based part of preparing our students to have post-secondary options." 

Jessica Tang, President, American Federation of Teachers: 

"The Graduation Council has the opportunity to transform public education in the Commonwealth to create a truly accessible and equitable system and this report takes steps in that direction. We are especially encouraged by the commitment to expanding access to MassCore while maintaining flexibility for vocational and career tech students whose pathways already provide valuable, hands-on learning experiences. Equally important is the recognition that multilingual learners and students with disabilities must have the supports and resources necessary to meet these expectations and succeed. We will continue to work with the Council and Administration to make sure the needs of our students are addressed as the state finalizes some of these most critical components, including timelines around implementation and ensuring our educators and school communities have additional resources to support this transition. This an opportunity to move away from the harms of high stakes testing. We hope that, with continued collaboration between the state and our districts and educators, these recommendat​ions can be implemented in a way that truly moves the Commonwealth forward." 

Ron O’Hanley, Chairman and CEO, State Street Corporation: 

“Real-life financial education is essential for Massachusetts students. Providing all students in the Commonwealth with the opportunity to develop financial literacy will bring Massachusetts in line with other leading states and strengthen our home-grown workforce. For students, it will improve their financial behaviors and skills and help them become well-rounded individuals who are ready to contribute to civic life.”  

Bob Rivers, Executive Chair and Chair of the Board of Directors, Eastern Bank:  

"The Graduation Council's recommendation to strengthen financial literacy education reflects the reality students face as they enter college, careers, and civic life. We know from research that when students are required to study financial literacy in high school, they’re more likely to have higher credit scores, carry less debt and have fewer personal bankruptcies. I applaud the Graduation Council and Healey-Driscoll Administration for ensuring all students have access to this essential life skill.” 

Rosalin Acosta, Managing Director, Ernst & Young LLP:  

"Our economic strength depends on ensuring every student graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world. By emphasizing competencies such as communication, problem-solving, financial literacy, digital literacy, and AI literacy, the Graduation Council's recommendations will help prepare graduates for success in the workforce, in their communities, and in the future of our Commonwealth." 

Ed Lambert, Executive Director, Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education (MBAE): 

“This report establishes a strong foundation on which the state can create a final statewide graduation standard that sets all students up for success. The report rightly focuses on ensuring all students attain the foundational academic knowledge and skills they will need by requiring a rigorous course of study and a common assessment to measure achievement and builds on and strengthens the recommendations of the interim report by including a requirement that students participate in a work-based learning experience that will help them plan and prepare for future opportunities.” 

Ryan Durkin, Vice President of AI & Community Engagement, WHOOP:  

"Artificial intelligence is quickly changing the way we learn, work, and solve problems. Ensuring all students graduate with a fundamental understanding of AI, alongside strong digital and financial literacy skills, will help prepare them for an increasingly technology-driven world. The Graduation Council's recommendations recognize that today's students need the skills and tools to build with AI, use emerging technologies responsibly, and adapt to innovations that will shape the future workforce.” 

Kendalle Burlin O’Connell, Chief Executive Officer & President, MassBio: 

"We thank Governor Healey for her commitment to maintaining the high educational standards that Massachusetts students deserve. In a global race for talent, our competitive edge depends on growing the next generation of innovators right here at home, and this framework takes meaningful steps toward that goal. By ensuring students graduate with the academic grounding, workforce skills, and AI and digital literacy our innovation economy requires, Massachusetts sends a clear signal that we are serious about leading. MassBio and our member companies look forward to supporting this work." 

Brooke M Thomson, President and CEO, Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM):  
“AIM thanks the Massachusetts Statewide K-12 Graduation Council for its effort to reimagine a graduation standard that reflects what students need to be successful regardless of the path they choose after high school. The recommendations ensure that students leave school with foundational knowledge in subjects like science and math, while creating space to explore emerging fields like AI and digital literacy. Establishing statewide standards in the wake of the elimination of MCAS is critical for employers across all industries who rely on standardized graduation measurements as a signal that every student, regardless of where that student went to school, has access to a high-quality education and is ready to enter the workforce. Standardization is not just a policy preference; it is a matter of equity. This is why AIM supports the inclusion of end-of-year assessments that will count meaningfully towards a student's path to graduation. AIM urges that these assessments remain a non-negotiable component in the next phase of this process and we look forward to working with policymakers to ensure that is the case.” 

Marty Martinez, President and CEO, United Way of Massachusetts Bay: 

“United Way has a long-standing commitment to providing students with the support, learning environments and quality education they deserve in order to succeed. We are proud to support the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s new statewide graduation framework to strengthen educational opportunities and ensure students are equipped with the tools they need to thrive. This framework sets a standard that will help ensure equity of opportunity and empower students beyond graduation as they set out on pathways toward the life goals they choose.” 

Jennie Williamson, Massachusetts State Director, EdTrust: 

"We're grateful to Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, Secretary Zrike, Commissioner Martinez, and the entire Council for the significant work that went into developing such a bold, comprehensive set of recommendations. This framework has the potential to set a first-in-the-nation standard—one that holds every student to a high bar, regardless of zip code, while opening the doors of opportunity they need to thrive after high school. We were especially glad to see a serious commitment to college-aligned coursework for every student, the inclusion of AI and digital literacy, and a consistent, statewide way of measuring whether students are meeting that high bar. We look forward to working alongside the Legislature and the Administration to build on this foundation—pairing these standards with strong accountability and the supports every student needs to meet them. High standards and support, together—that's the promise of this moment, and Massachusetts must be ready to deliver." 

Mary M. Bourque, Ed.D., Executive Director, Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (M.A.S.S.): 

“M.A.S.S. commends the Healey-Driscoll Administration for ensuring that Massachusetts maintains high standards for earning a high school diploma. We believe the proposed set of graduation requirements will promote rigor and consistency across the Commonwealth and ultimately help prepare all students for success after high school. We also recognize that the new mandates will require school districts to make significant investments of time and resources, and we call upon our partners in state government to provide the funding, support, and flexibility needed for effective implementation.” 

Glenn Koocher, Executive Director, Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC):  

“We appreciate the efforts of the many stakeholders who contributed to developing these recommendations to strengthen and enhance the high school learning experience for students across the Commonwealth. Our association remains committed to ensuring that every student is well-prepared for success in their chosen postsecondary pathway. We look forward to continuing to engage in future discussions about how end-of-course assessments can be thoughtfully designed and meaningfully incorporated into students’ academic progress.” 

Tim Nicolette, Executive Director, Massachusetts Charter Public School Association:  

“We applaud the diligent work of the Graduation Council and are grateful to have been a member of this important group, helping shape this critical next step in the Commonwealth's public education system. The recommendations released today represent a vital step forward toward ensuring that every student, in every community, receives a high-quality education. The proposal upholds high standards and accountability, laying the foundation to ensure that a high school diploma truly represents that a student is prepared to succeed beyond high school. In Massachusetts, we are committed to preparing all young people for the opportunities that lie before them. These recommendations will help guarantee that all students, from all corners of the Commonwealth, are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive long after they leave the classroom.” 

Steve Sharek, Executive Director, Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators (MAVA):   

“We first want to thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration for making sure that vocational-technical education had a seat at the table during these important discussions. MAVA has a long history of supporting high standards for our schools, teachers, and students.  Graduation requirements are no exception.  We also recognize the importance of preserving flexibility for local schools, including those offering Chapter 74 vocational education. We are pleased that the current proposal continues to provide the longstanding flexibility that has worked effectively for decades for students enrolled in state-approved career and technical education.  Maintaining this flexibility recognizes the unique structure, demands, and rigor of Chapter 74 programs and ensures that all students have access to both meaningful, rigorous career education in high school and to post-secondary education as well. We look forward to continuing to be actively involved in this process as the state works out details for implementation, including the need for adequate financial support to ensure success.” 

William Heineman, President, North Shore Community College & Chair, Community College Council of Presidents:  

“The Massachusetts community colleges are pleased to support the proposed statewide graduation framework and are encouraged that the Healey-Driscoll administration's vision aligns so closely with our mission. Every day, our colleges welcome students who arrive eager but underprepared for college-level work and we are hopeful that this framework will better support those students and their educational journeys.” 

Rob McCarron, President and CEO, Association for Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts (AICUM): 

"We applaud the Healey-Driscoll administration for putting forward a framework that ensures all Massachusetts high school graduates are well prepared for the college pathway that works best for them. Requiring students to develop clear higher education plans and milestones puts them and their families in the absolute best position to succeed in college and beyond.” 

Amanda Seider, Executive Director, OneGoal:  

“OneGoal is pleased to support the Final Report of the Statewide Graduation Council. These recommendations challenge us to think boldly about what’s possible when we align on high school as a launch pad, not just a finish line. The combination of rigorous coursework, actionable data, and meaningful postsecondary planning experiences will prepare all Massachusetts students for a life of opportunity.” 

Bahar Akman Imboden, Managing Director, Hildreth Institute:  

"Massachusetts has made historic investments to expand access to our public colleges and universities. Ensuring those investments translate into real opportunity starts with preparing students before they arrive on campus. This graduation framework moves us in that direction by setting high expectations across a broader set of measures and making robust postsecondary planning a central part of every student’s path through high school." 

Devin Sheehan, Holyoke School Committee Vice-Chair and Past President, National School Boards Association: 

"Several recommendations within the Graduation Council's proposal represent positive steps forward for Massachusetts students, particularly the emphasis on financial literacy, work-based learning, and authentic demonstrations of learning through capstones and portfolios. As discussions continue, it will be important to ensure that any statewide graduation framework reflects both high expectations and the practical realities facing school districts across the Commonwealth."  

Amanda Fernández, Founder & CEO, Latinos for Education:

“Every student deserves access to an education that prepares them to succeed in college, career, and civic life. The Graduation Council’s recommendations reflect a commitment to ensuring all students have equitable opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need for success after high school. We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Graduation Council for creating a vision and framework that helps close longstanding opportunity and achievement gaps across Massachusetts.”

Kerry Donahue, Executive Director, Teach for America Massachusetts:

"Teach For America is grateful to the Statewide K-12 Graduation Council for coming together to determine how best to ensure graduates are prepared to step into adulthood and thrive in the modern economy. Specifically, this proposal aligns coursework requirements with college entrance requirements, ensures an objective assessment of aligned to core curriculum, and promotes strong postsecondary preparation and planning through MyCAP. This is a defining moment to align our expectations with the realities students will face — honoring Massachusetts’ legacy of public education as a pathway to economic mobility and full civic participation, regardless of zip code."

Josiane Martinez, Chair, Governor's Advisory Council on Latino Empowerment: 

“As Chair of the Latino Empowerment Advisory Council, I am proud to support a graduation framework that reflects what LEAC has heard directly from students, families, educators, and community leaders: young people need strong academics, clear postsecondary pathways, real-world learning, financial literacy, and civic readiness to thrive. I commend the Healey-Driscoll Administration for listening to communities and education leaders across the Commonwealth and for advancing a more equitable, rigorous, and future-focused vision for high school graduation in Massachusetts.” 

Tanisha Sullivan, Chair, Governor’s Advisory Council on Black Empowerment:  

“The Massachusetts Statewide Graduation Council has done something rare: it has listened. These recommendations are more than policy, they are a commitment to ensuring that every student graduates prepared for college, career, and civic life. By pairing rigorous coursework with real-world learning and multiple ways for students to demonstrate mastery, Massachusetts is raising expectations while expanding opportunity. The goal is not simply higher standards, but broader access to the experiences and supports that make success possible. Talent has never been in short supply in this Commonwealth. Opportunity has not always been distributed equally. These recommendations are an important step toward closing that gap by establishing a common standard while recognizing the diverse strengths and aspirations of Massachusetts students. The Black Empowerment Advisory Council is encouraged by this vision and recognizes that its success will ultimately be measured not by the recommendations themselves, but by their implementation. High expectations must be matched by equitable access and investment for districts to have the resources to support students in achieving these standards. Rigor and equity must go hand in hand.” 

Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, CEO, Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA):

"Massachusetts has long led the nation in education, and these recommendations continue that tradition by focusing on what students need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom. We are particularly encouraged by the emphasis on civic engagement, financial literacy, AI literacy, and preparing students to contribute positively to their communities. We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for bringing together diverse voices to shape a vision that supports all learners across the Commonwealth."

A.J. Enchill, President & Executive Director, The Berkshire Black Economic Council: 

“The Healey-Driscoll Administration's new graduation framework will improve equitable rigor for high school learners statewide. The culminating experience and requirements will encourage students to focus on practical competencies such as work-based learning, financial literacy, artificial intelligence, and digital literacy. Massachusetts high schoolers are graduating better prepared with the civic readiness to achieve big goals in their future communities.” 

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