Press Statement  Healey-Driscoll Administration Opens Public Survey on High School Graduation Requirements

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that while Governor Maura Healey’s K-12 Statewide Graduation Council listening sessions continue, the administration is also launching an online survey to expand opportunities for public input on a new statewide graduation requirement. Students, parents and caregivers, educators, school counselors, businesses and community residents can complete the survey at Mass.gov/K12GradCouncil by June 30, 2025.  

“The listening sessions in Taunton, Worcester and Somerville provided deeply meaningful feedback, and I thank all of the parents, educators and community members who joined. We are working to bring the definition of what it means to graduate from high school to new heights, and additional public feedback is only going to strengthen these efforts. I encourage everyone to fill out the survey and look forward to engaging with more residents at the remaining listening sessions,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler.

Information from the public survey and listening sessions will inform the Graduation Council’s recommendations on how Massachusetts can ensure that all students graduate with the skills necessary to succeed in college, careers, and civic life, regardless of their background or location, and demonstrate they meet a consistent statewide set of expectations. This includes exploring the role of assessment, the potential for differentiated pathways to earning the Competency Determination, and the completion of additional experiences that demonstrate civic, college, and career readiness. 

Education Secretary Tutwiler and members of the Council have hosted in-person listening sessions at Taunton High School, Worcester Technical High School and Somerville High School to-date, with additional sessions this week and throughout June. This includes a virtual session on Tuesday, June 3 from 6-8 p.m.

Governor Healey established the Massachusetts K-12 Statewide Graduation Council through Executive Order, and the Council is led by the Secretary of Education and Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education. The Council includes a broad range of stakeholders, including students, parents/caregivers, educators, school counselors, labor, education advocacy organizations, higher education representatives, legislators, and the business community. 

The survey is available in six languages and takes 7-10 minutes to complete. For more information on the council, public survey, and listening sessions, visit Mass.gov/K12GradCouncil.