CAMPAIGN PRESS RELEASE: Congresswoman Lori Trahan Endorses Yes on 2 Campaign to Eliminate MCAS Graduation Requirement

30 September 2024

Lowell, Mass. (September 30, 2024) — Congresswoman Lori Trahan today announced her support for the Yes on 2 ballot campaign, joining the growing coalition advocating for the elimination of the MCAS graduation requirement in Massachusetts.

Congresswoman Trahan released this statement:

“As a proud Lowell Public Schools graduate and the parent of two girls in public schools, I know we must do everything in our power to help students and educators succeed in the classroom. While MCAS is an important part of the equation when it comes to measuring students’ growth, its use as a one-size-fits-all graduation requirement leaves hundreds of the most vulnerable in our schools behind each year, many of whom are in gateway cities like the ones I represent. I strongly believe that more resources and services must be allocated to schools to help those students succeed, and I plan to vote for Question 2 to ensure that, in the meantime, students who meet academic and attendance requirements to graduate but struggle to pass all three MCAS exams don’t have their futures upended by being denied a diploma.”

In response the Yes on 2 campaign released this statement from MTA Vice President Deb McCarthy:

"We are thrilled to have Congresswoman Trahan’s support in the fight to maintain our state's high education standards and bring joy and individualized learning back into our classrooms. Her commitment to education and standing up for working families makes her a crucial voice in this growing coalition. With her help, we’re one step closer to ensuring all students have the opportunity to succeed without being unfairly disadvantaged by high-stakes testing."

The Yes on 2 campaign is supported by a diverse coalition of students, teachers, medical professionals, and education advocates who believe that accountability in education should not come at the cost of individualized learning or the well-being of students.

Learn more about the Yes on 2 campaign and the effort to replace the MCAS graduation requirement at www.yesonquestion2ma.com.