The Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Statewide Graduation Council have released a statewide graduation framework that prepares all students for success after graduation.
This 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.
Strong Foundations
- Students complete a set of coursework that aligns with admissions requirements for higher education.
Proven Skills
- To show that students have mastered the course content, students complete a limited number of end-of-course (EOC) assessments and a capstone or portfolio.
- These assessments are different from high stakes testing because students do not have to pass an EOC to graduate. EOCs will be a more targeted and relevant approach to assessment than our current high school MCAS.
- Capstones are cumulative projects and usually include research, a written assignment, and a final presentation.
- Portfolios are a collection of students’ best work that demonstrates mastery in one content area or across content areas.
Bright Futures
- Students make their own plan for college or career, complete the FAFSA or MASFA, learn financial literacy, and earn seals of distinction.
- Massachusetts currently awards the State Seal of Biliteracy to students who attain high functional and academic levels of proficiency in English and a world language in recognition of having studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation.
These recommendations represent the proposed framework for Massachusetts’ new graduation requirements. We are now seeking feedback to help inform key implementation decisions and design details before the final report is released in June 2026. Your input will help ensure the requirements are equitable, meaningful, and responsive to the needs of students, families, educators, and communities across the Commonwealth.
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