BOSTON, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — The Healey-Driscoll Administration has released an initial statewide graduation framework as the 10th grade MCAS exam is phased out of the graduation requirements.
The new 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.
According to a statement from the Executive Office of Education, the initial framework’s elements are:
Strong Starts
- 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.