Massachusetts unveils initial statewide graduation framework after voters ended MCAS diploma requirement

Dedham, Mass. — Governor Mara Healy, joined by education officials and students at Dedham High School, on Monday unveiled an initial statewide graduation framework designed to make the Massachusetts high school diploma more meaningful and to phase out the MCAS-based graduation requirement.

"We're moving away from high stakes to high expectations," Healy said, announcing the framework and saying the change follows last year’s voter decision to remove the MCAS graduation requirement. She said the plan includes course-based assessments, a capstone or portfolio option, and a requirement that every student complete a career-and-academic plan.

The framework outlines a foundation of required coursework in core subjects such as STEM and language skills, end-of-course assessments tied to the actual course rather than a…