Resolution calling for replacing the MCAS graduation requirement and passing the Thrive Act

This sample resolution calls for replacing the MCAS graduation requirement and passing the Thrive Act. It is intended for use by local associations, school committees, parents, school groups and other community organizations.

WHEREAS, access to a high-quality, publicly funded education is a guaranteed right written into the Massachusetts Constitution; and

WHEREAS, an effective public education program meets the needs of students who present a variety of abilities and learning styles; and

WHEREAS, a successful system of public education nurtures and supports students and offers opportunities for growth along a continuum that begins in preschool and extends through higher education; and

WHEREAS, the goal of public education is to teach students essential, foundational skills such as reading, writing and arithmetic, and to develop critical thinkers, engaged citizens and lifelong learners; and

WHEREAS, the punitive use of MCAS has restricted curriculum and shifted the focus of education in our public schools toward meeting a test score instead of fostering an environment for real teaching and learning that helps students realize their full potential; and 

WHEREAS, MCAS testing has unjustly targeted communities with underfunded public schools for state takeovers that have failed to improve student performance by any measure; and

WHEREAS, using MCAS testing as a high school graduation requirement has prevented or delayed thousands of students from earning a diploma, thereby interrupting or derailing education or career plans; and

THEREFORE, let it be resolved that [your organization/committee/group/governmental entity] supports the 2024 Massachusetts state ballot initiative to replace the MCAS graduation requirement and require instead that districts certify that students have satisfactorily completed coursework demonstrating mastery of the skills and knowledge required by the Commonwealth’s strong, statewide curriculum standards in order to graduate; and

THEREFORE, let it be resolved that [your organization/committee/group/governmental entity] urges the Massachusetts Legislature to pass the Thrive Act to replace the MCAS graduation requirement, end the practice of placing school districts or individual schools into state receivership and establish a commission to develop a whole-child assessment system; and

THEREFORE, let it be resolved that a copy of this resolution shall be sent to the state legislative delegation.

Download a Sample Resolution