Statewide Superintendents’ association advocates for residents to vote “No on 2” to maintain high standards for high school graduation
The Executive Committee of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (M.A.S.S.) has voted to oppose Question 2, a statewide ballot question that would eliminate the use of the Grade 10 MCAS exams as a high school graduation requirement.
Today, M.A.S.S. issued the following statement:
- The Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (M.A.S.S.) opposes Question 2, which would eliminate the MCAS examination as a statewide requirement for high school graduation.
- In taking this position, the M.A.S.S. Executive Committee is particularly concerned that the ballot question fails to stipulate a replacement for the MCAS exam as a graduation requirement. If the measure is approved, there would be no statewide standard for students to qualify for a high school diploma.
- We therefore advocate for a “No” vote on Question 2.
- At the same time, we believe that Grade 10 MCAS exams alone are insufficient as the statewide standard for graduation and have called upon State leaders to begin a process immediately after Election Day – regardless of the outcome of Question 2 – for developing and adopting a more comprehensive set of requirements for students to demonstrate competency.
Clarifying the Scope of Question 2
M.A.S.S. leaders noted that there is considerable misinformation across the Commonwealth about the scope of Question 2. They emphasized that the ballot question:
- Does not reduce or eliminate MCAS testing at any grade level.
- Does not change the use of MCAS exams in the State accountability system.
- Does not stipulate an alternative statewide standard for high school graduation.
The ballot question would eliminate the current requirement for students in Massachusetts public high schools to pass Grade 10 MCAS exams in English, Mathematics, and Science – referred to as earning “Competency Determination” – in order to receive a high school diploma.
“If passed, Question 2 would undermine the high standards that are the cornerstone of Massachusetts’ successful work in education reform over the past thirty years,” said M.A.S.S. President Armand Pires, who is also Superintendent of the Medway Public Schools. “We believe it is critical for the Commonwealth to have a statewide standard for earning a high school diploma.”
Mary Bourque, Executive Director of M.A.S.S. and former Superintendent of Chelsea Public Schools, added, “Unfortunately, Question 2 presents only two options – the current statewide graduation requirement, or no statewide standard at all. Given those choices, we advocate for the former.”
They cited the risk of greater inequity if Question 2 were to pass. In the absence of a statewide graduation standard, they argued, high schools may revert to academic tracks that often marginalize students of color, English learners, students living in poverty, and students with disabilities.
Moving Beyond MCAS
At the same time, M.A.S.S. leaders reiterated their longstanding assertion that it is time for the State to move beyond MCAS as the sole measure of student learning. M.A.S.S. officials today sent a letter to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Education Secretary, Senate President, Speaker of the House, and other State education and legislative leaders, calling for a public process to identify a broader set of statewide graduation standards – regardless of the outcome of Question 2.
The letter states that members of the Superintendents’ association “remain frustrated that State leaders have demonstrated almost no willingness to adapt and update the standards-based system to meet the changing needs and realities facing students, families, schools, and communities today.” Read the letter to State leaders.
M.A.S.S. leaders noted that the adoption of the “No on 2” position by the statewide association does not mean that all Superintendents and Assistant Superintendent members maintain the same position. Each district leader may take their own stance on the ballot question, or no stance at all.
Question 2 is one of five statewide ballot questions that Massachusetts voters will decide on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
For more information about Question 2 and MCAS:
- “No on 2: Protect Our Kids’ Future” website.
- Voices for Academic Equity Coalition: “Toward a Better MCAS: Consensus Recommendations from Organizations Serving the Commonwealth’s Students.”