Healey Admin Sets Vision of HS Graduation Standards

Colin A. Young | SHNS

The panel that's developing a new high school graduation standard released its first work product Wednesday, sharing a "vision" of a set of familiar skills and attributes that a Massachusetts high school graduate should possess before they're ready for either college or a career.

Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll and Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler joined members of the Massachusetts K–12 Statewide Graduation Council and other education policy-makers to roll out the "vision of a graduate" at Attleboro High School after a tour of the school's career technical education programs. The statement of ideals is meant to form a foundation for a statewide framework.

Gov. Maura Healey convened the group in January after voters last fall eliminated the use of the MCAS as a graduation requirement. Until the state comes up with a single new standard, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education has adopted interim graduation requirements, including that students complete specific coursework through grade 10. Individual districts must develop and submit a local Competency Determination (CD) policy and graduation requirements to the state by Dec. 31.

The document released Wednesday envisions high school graduates as thinkers, leaders and contributors.

"A Massachusetts diploma is not just a credential; it is a launchpad for students to become effective thinkers, valued contributors, and future leaders of their communities and beyond," the document says. "Together, these competencies not only prepare MA graduates for success in college and career, but equip them with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to participate fully in civic life."

Under the "thinker" banner are the ideas that graduates should be academically prepared with "a strong foundation across academic disciplines" and be creative problem-solvers who can "critically examine information to draw connections, question assumptions, infer meaning, and shape new solutions."

The "leader" bucket envisions graduates as effective communicators who can "confidently, clearly, and respectfully express their ideas" and responsible decision-makers who "demonstrate confidence and competence in shaping their lives." And the "contributors" label calls for graduates to "engage respectfully and productively with diverse individuals and groups" and to be "self-aware navigators" who "understand and can articulate their strengths, needs, and impact, navigating the world with curiosity and empathy."

The "vision of a graduate" released Wednesday was the first work product of the Statewide Graduation Council. It will be followed later this year by a report of initial findings, officials said. The 31-member group is expected to issue its final recommendations by July 2026.