Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Seeks Public Feedback on Implementation of High School Graduation Requirements

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today it is inviting the public to help inform how high school graduation requirement recommendations will take shape and be put into practice before the final K-12 Statewide Graduation Council report is released in June 2026. Students, parents and caregivers, educators, district leaders, businesses and community members can complete a survey online. The survey should take 10-12 minutes to complete.

“This is an important chance for students, families, educators, and partners across Massachusetts to share different perspectives before the Graduation Council’s final report is released later this year,” said Education Secretary and Graduation Council Co-Chair Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “The survey allows us to listen carefully, learn from diverse voices, and give everyone an opportunity to shape our final recommendations. I encourage everyone to fill it out and look forward to engaging with more community members.” 

Governor Healey, in collaboration with the Council, released a statewide graduation framework in December that sets nation-leading graduation standards to prepare all students for success after graduation and would represent the most robust education standards the state has ever had. The framework consists of seven 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.  

“It's vital for us to have feedback from diverse stakeholders as the Graduation Council finalizes these recommendations,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner and Graduation Council Co-Chair Pedro Martinez. “This is a rare opportunity for us as a Commonwealth to define readiness for success after graduation, and I am thankful for the work of the Council and others who have contributed to the process so far.” 

Information from the open survey will inform the Graduation Council’s final implementation recommendations on how Massachusetts can ensure 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. Input provided will help ensure the graduation requirements are equitable, meaningful, and responsive to the needs of students, families, educators, and communities across the Commonwealth.

“High school rigor is a predictor of whether a student will succeed in college,” said Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega. “I’m grateful for the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s commitment to setting strong high school graduation standards and engaging the community on what a Massachusetts high school diploma should mean. Rigorous graduation requirements will benefit students, families, and our Commonwealth for years to come.” 

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. 

For more information on the Graduation Council, public survey, and interim recommendations, visit Mass.gov/K12GradCouncil.  

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