On Nov. 5, Massachusetts voters approved Question 2 to replace the standardized MCAS tests as a high school graduation requirement, and instead require students to demonstrate that they have mastered the state’s education standards, skills and competencies through their schoolwork and teacher evaluations.
How are your students, your family, your school and you benefiting from the end of the MCAS graduation requirement?
Please join us for an MTA all-member meeting on Monday, Jan. 29, 2025, when we will celebrate our Yes on 2 victory and discuss the way forward, including defending our victory in the state Legislature, and pushing forward other key priorities for public education, preK through higher education.
A fundamental component of the campaign to end the MCAS graduation requirement was to correct the injustice of denying diplomas to students who demonstrated through successful completion of coursework.
ReadRemoving the graduation requirement for high school students restores our state’s position as a leader in creating best-in-the-country public schools.
ReadNew FAQ released related to the end of the MCAS graduation requirement.
Read
Massachusetts Teachers Association President Max Page and Vice President Deb McCarthy issued the following statement following the announcement that voters approved Question 2.
In passing Question 2, Massachusetts voters have proclaimed that they are ready to let teachers teach, and students learn, without the onerous effects of a high-stakes standardized test undermining the mission of public education: to prepare all students for future success as citizens, workers and creative, happy adults.
This is truly a collective victory. We are so proud and thankful for everyone who made phone calls, knocked on doors, collected signatures — anything to talk to voters about the urgent need to stop using the MCAS as a graduation requirement. Tens of thousands of educators, parents and public education advocates made it possible for Question 2 to hold a commanding lead throughout election night.
“This is the beginning of more holistic and thorough assessments of student work.”
MTA President Max Page and Vice President Deb McCarthy