Superintendent Cabral outlines new graduation criteria excluding MCAS for 2025 class

In a significant shift for local education, the Taunton School Committee has decided to eliminate the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) as a graduation requirement. This decision, presented by Superintendent Doctor Harrison during the meeting on April 2, 2025, aligns with recommendations from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and reflects a collaborative effort among regional school systems.

The new graduation criteria will now focus on students achieving passing grades in key subjects: English 10, Algebra 1, Geometry, and Biology. This change aims to ensure that all students have a fair opportunity to graduate, particularly benefiting a small number of seniors who had previously struggled with the MCAS.

Superintendent Harrison emphasized the importance of this decision, noting that it would apply to all graduates from 2003 to 2024, thereby impacting a significant number of students. The committee is already gathering information on those affected by the previous requirement to ensure a smooth transition to the new criteria.

This move is expected to alleviate stress for students and families while maintaining academic standards. The recommendation to adopt these new graduation requirements for the class of 2025 was put forth for approval by the subcommittee, marking a pivotal moment in Taunton's educational landscape.

In addition to this major decision, the meeting included discussions on various other topics, although none carried the same immediate weight as the changes to graduation requirements. The committee's focus remains on enhancing educational outcomes and supporting all students in their academic journeys. As the community looks ahead, these changes reflect a commitment to adapting educational policies to better serve the needs of Taunton's youth.