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5d ago

Massachusetts Drafts New Graduation Standard With State-Run End-of-Course Exams

Critics at the State House urged performance-based alternatives to avoid contradicting voters’ rejection of high-stakes testing.

Boston, MA - Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler testifies during the BRIGHT Act hearing at the State House.
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Overview

  • A preliminary draft from the governor’s Statewide K-12 Graduation Council proposes state-designed, administered, and scored end-of-course assessments tied to specific classes to demonstrate mastery.
  • The draft also outlines non-test elements including locally assessed capstones or portfolios, a revised MassCore course sequence, career and academic planning, FAFSA completion, financial literacy, and optional seals of distinction.
  • Citizens for Public Schools presented recommendations at the Massachusetts State House after forums where participants prioritized skills such as critical thinking, communication, and civic engagement.
  • The Massachusetts Association of School Committees warned that state-created EOCs could recreate high-stakes testing and conflict with last year’s 59–41 vote to drop MCAS as a graduation gate.
  • The council’s work continues with initial findings expected later this fall and a final report in 2026, after which Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler will forward recommendations to the governor.