Boston, MA – Today, the National Parents Union (NPU) is proud to announce the release of a new paper titled “Preparing Massachusetts Kids for a Bright Future,” exploring the critical role of assessments as a graduation requirement in Massachusetts, with a particular focus on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS). As the state faces a pivotal vote on whether to uphold these requirements in November 2024, the paper offers timely insights into how assessments can ensure that a high school diploma truly reflects readiness for college, career, and life.
In the paper’s foreword, NPU President Keri Rodrigues reflects on the experience of her late mother, a longtime staff member in Suffolk University’s Math and Computer Science department, who worked with students who graduated high school but found themselves unprepared for college-level coursework. Rodrigues shares her personal connection to the issue, emphasizing the importance of graduation requirements that ensure all students have the foundational skills they need to succeed.
“Getting a high school diploma should mean that our children are ready for the future,” Rodrigues writes. “Unfortunately, in Massachusetts, some special interest groups have proposed diluting what it means to receive a high school diploma—equating mere exposure to standards with actually meeting them. This short-sighted vision fails to understand that graduation requirements like the 10th grade MCAS assessment are a critical component of ensuring a high-quality education.”
The paper highlights the importance of uniform, statewide graduation requirements, such as the 10th grade MCAS, in upholding the guarantee of a rigorous public education for all students. By ensuring that students meet common standards in key subjects like English, math, and science, these assessments validate that Massachusetts graduates are prepared for the challenges of college and career.
As voters consider the future of the MCAS requirement in Massachusetts, the National Parents Union aims to ensure that the conversation remains focused on the fundamental promise of quality education. The paper also examines how other states and the federal government use similar methods to guarantee academic quality, and outlines the importance of maintaining high standards to foster a system that empowers every student to succeed.
About National Parents Union
The National Parents Union (NPU) is a network of parent organizations and grassroots activists across the United States advocating for better educational outcomes for children. Through research, advocacy, and organizing, NPU works to amplify the voices of families in education policy and ensure equitable access to quality education for all students.