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MassCore proposals could force curricular changes at Minuteman, superintendent warns
Summary
The superintendent told the committee that a state proposal to make MassCore the graduation standard — including an Algebra II requirement and state-developed end-of-course exams — would be a substantially higher standard than MCAS and could require curriculum changes at vocational schools.
The superintendent used the leadership report to flag possible statewide changes to graduation requirements under discussion (MassCore) and explained how vocational schools could be affected. He said the most consequential change would be a required Algebra II course and an associated state-developed end-of-course exam, which he described as a substantially higher standard than the current MCAS competency determination.
The superintendent said vocational schools may receive waivers for some MassCore components (foreign language and one unit of art) but emphasized that an Algebra II mandate would force curricular shifts and raise concerns for students who take math sequences differently or have documented learning needs. He told the committee the state could still allow local waivers for some vocational elements, and that details (for example whether a capstone or portfolio would be locally scored) remain undecided.
Committee members asked whether the end-of-course exam would be state-developed and graded; the superintendent confirmed the proposed end-of-course exams would be developed and given by the state. The superintendent said the district is preparing multiple plans and monitoring the state's timetable.
