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Lynn School Committee backs Question 2 to remove MCAS as a graduation requirement
Summary
The committee voted to support ballot Question 2, which would replace MCAS as a punitive high‑school graduation requirement with district‑certified coursework demonstrating mastery; administrators cited inequities and pandemic‑era learning loss.
The Lynn School Committee voted to endorse passage of Question 2, a ballot measure that would remove the MCAS test as a mandatory high‑school graduation requirement and instead allow districts to certify that students have completed coursework demonstrating mastery of state standards.
The chair read the resolution into the record, which argued that MCAS as a high‑stakes graduation requirement "has restricted curriculum," disproportionately affects students of color, English learners and students with disabilities, and can harm student mental health. The resolution directs the committee to support replacing the punitive graduation requirement with educator‑led assessments such as projects, papers and group tasks conducted throughout the year.
Doctor Aubers addressed the committee, summarizing district research on learning loss and inequitable impacts of the MCAS graduation requirement. He said the district had examined weighting formulas and expressed concern about the test’s effect on graduation rates for Lynn students who a district official said include a high number of newcomers.
Members spoke in strong support. Member Dugan described lifting the punitive requirement as removing a burden from students and educators, allowing the district to focus on educating the "whole child." Several members recounted personal or historical examples of students prevented from graduating due to MCAS performance.
The committee approved the resolution by roll call. Members said the resolution would be part of local advocacy ahead of the ballot and urged the community to get involved.
The resolution does not change policy at the state level; it records the school committee’s support for ballot Question 2 and asks that the district and community advocate for the change at the state level.
