Business and Civic Leaders

As we seek the next generation of talent to shape our businesses, non-profits, and other vital institutions, we know that the skills we need in the workers of tomorrow cannot be measured by a single test. We also know that high-stakes standardized testing has a disproportionately negative impact on Black, Latinx, low-income, and English learner students. Replacing the MCAS as a graduation requirement with the requirement that students demonstrate their mastery of the state standards through coursework, will give us a more accurate measure of their skills, competencies, and knowledge. It will also support teaching strategies that foster the critical-thinking, cultural competency, teamwork, and creative skills that are the core skills needed to contribute to the civic, cultural and economic vitality of the Commonwealth.

Well educated and well-rounded people are the core of the Massachusetts economy. Replacing the MCAS graduation requirement with a more accurate measure will build a more just and inclusive Commonwealth and a workforce that will fuel our collective success for years to come.