The Acton-Boxborough School Committee meeting on March 13, 2025, focused on significant changes to the high school graduation requirements, particularly the removal of the MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System) as a graduation criterion. Committee members discussed the implications of this decision and the need for ongoing data collection to ensure that students are adequately prepared for graduation.

During the meeting, a committee member emphasized the importance of monitoring student progress and gathering data to assess the effectiveness of the new graduation framework. This approach aims to ensure that students demonstrate competency in their coursework, even without the MCAS as a benchmark. The committee acknowledged the need for flexibility in evaluating student performance and expressed appreciation for the thoughtful consideration of alternative assessment methods.

Another member clarified that while the MCAS has been removed, the coursework designed to prepare students for the exam will remain in place. This change is intended to maintain academic rigor and ensure that students are not graduated without the necessary skills and knowledge. The committee is committed to creating a robust system that supports student readiness for graduation.

As the meeting concluded, members expressed a sense of readiness to vote on the proposed changes in the upcoming week, indicating a collective agreement on the direction of the new graduation requirements. The discussions highlighted the committee's dedication to adapting educational standards while ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future endeavors.