AFT Massachusetts on Statewide Graduation Council Preliminary Report (December 1, 2025)
On December 1, the Healey-Driscoll Administration released the preliminary report from the K-12 Statewide Graduation Council, which is tasked with coming up with recommendations to establish a consistent statewide set of graduation expectations to ensure all students have the skills necessary to be successful after graduation.
AFT Massachusetts President Jessica Tang was in attendance as a member of the Council. In her remarks, President Tang highlighted that this report should be considered “a starting point” for important discussions around the state with those who will be directly impacted by these decisions: our students, educators, and school communities.
Whether or not the final report, which is due in June 2026, secures the support of the AFT Massachusetts and the educators it represents remains to be seen.
Below is a full statement from AFT Massachusetts President Jessica Tang in response to the Initial Report of the Statewide Graduation Council:
“There are components of this report that we can all agree on, including areas that we have been and will continue to advocate for, including: accessibility to key academic courses, college and career planning, and attention to different types of learners.
“This preliminary report is just that—a starting point for discussion. We aren’t at the stage of endorsement or opposition.
“Whether or not the educators we represent can fully endorse this plan will depend on the final product.
“There are a number of outstanding questions that must be addressed, including those around the implementation process, the resources schools will need to support this new framework, and a clear understanding of exactly what will be required of our students and how their work will be measured.
“Massachusetts residents were clear when they voted for a fairer education assessment system last year—one that measures success and accurately reflects what is taught in the classroom.
“A test that measures poverty instead of accomplishment is not helpful.
“A test that is punitive instead of supportive does not ensure students have the skills they need to succeed.
“A one-size-fits-all test instead of one that is adaptive to the different needs of our diverse students is not equitable.
“While we have eliminated MCAS as a graduation requirement, we are still required to meet the federal government’s standardized testing requirements in order for our schools to receive federal funding.
“If we are looking to establish a new test to meet this requirement, it should be less time-consuming and should not be used to penalize students, educators, or districts. For example, a limited number of end of year assessments that meet federal standards, are educator-curated, and are used to identify districts in need of additional resources may be a welcome change.
“Our hope is that the final recommendations accurately reflect what we know residents want: a better secondary school graduation system that moves away from high-stakes testing as well as over testing. There is an opportunity here to create a better system that authentically reflects and supports the current educational needs of our students. One that guides our students to be critical thinkers and lifelong learners, while ensuring they have the skills and foundation for post-graduation success-whether they’re continuing their education or entering the workforce.
“The next phase of the Council’s work is crucial. The AFT MA is committed to ensuring active public participation and engagement over the coming months. The needs of those most impacted by these decisions must be addressed and taken into account at every step of this process before any final decisions are made.”
WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU!
What are your thoughts on statewide graduation requirements? What would you like to see included or not included? How can we ensure the needs of your students and schools are addressed?
Making sure you are heard is a top priority for the AFT MA as the Council begins engaging impacted communities.
Please fill out this form if you are an AFT Massachusetts member interested in participating in an internal focus group around statewide graduation requirements. This discussion and your input is crucial in our efforts to make sure the voices and expertise of our members are at the forefront of the next phase of the Council’s work.
About the K-12 Statewide Graduation Council
The K-12 Statewide Graduation Council was established by Governor Maura Healey through Executive Order following the success of a 2024 ballot question to eliminate the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) test as a condition of graduation.
Led by the Secretary of Education and Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Council includes a range of stakeholders, including students, parents/caregivers, educators, school counselors, labor, education advocacy organizations, higher education representatives, legislators, and the business community.
American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts President Jessica Tang and Boston Teachers Union President Erik Berg were both named to the Council.