Boston Globe: "Here’s how Massachusetts proposes to measure graduation readiness for students, post MCAS"

Massachusetts education officials are proposing interim graduation standards that would require students, beginning with the class of 2026, to pass specific classes after voters last fall dropped the MCAS exam as a graduation requirement.

graduation readiness for students

The proposed new requirements would remain in place while a new graduation council explores long-term options

“This is a change the voters have put in place, and it’s a step until we get something that is more robust,” acting Commissioner Russell Johnston said Tuesday during a state education board meeting.

Shared from -> https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/02/25/metro/mcas-massachusetts-graduation-requirements-competency-determination/

You can access the full article at the Boston Globe with your Franklin Library card    ->    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/how-to-access-online-resources-with.html

58 Tri-County Seniors Awarded John & Abigail Adams Scholarship | Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School honored fifty-eight students from the graduating class of 2025 who have been awarded the prestigious John & Abigail Adams Scholarship. This honor not only celebrates these students' outstanding academic achievements, but also provides them with incredible opportunities for their future education.

The John & Abigail Adams Scholarship is awarded to Massachusetts public high school students who have demonstrated exceptional performance on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) tests. To qualify, students must score at the Advanced level in either the Mathematics or English Language Arts section, and at least Proficient in the other section. Additionally, their combined MCAS scores must place them in the top 25% of their school district.

Recipients of the John & Abigail Adams Scholarship are eligible for an undergraduate tuition waiver at any Massachusetts state college or university. This scholarship is valid for up to eight consecutive semesters of undergraduate education at a Massachusetts public college or university provided students maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher during their college years.

Congratulations to the following fifty-eight recipients from the Tri-County class of 2025! Your achievements inspire us all and we look forward to seeing the amazing contributions you will make in the years to come.

58 Tri-County Seniors Awarded Adams Scholarship

Franklin - Sydnie Anagnos, Conor Cadorette, Sunny Dion, Jaimin Farrington Leet, Nicholas Harootunian, Clancy Harrington, Jesse Rogers, Eric Talamini, Ethan Trudel

Medfield - Matthew Johnson

Medway - Corey Ball, William Chenette, Madisyn Downs, Alicia Hall, Jonah Scott, Cecilia Sprague

Millis - Ephraim Aday, Connor Girouard, Loatchwel Joseph, Derek McGuire

Norfolk - William Ford, Serenity Sullivan

North Attleboro - Christina Abdel Alrahim, Tyler Bellavance, Andrae Buttrick, Diego Canales, Nicholas Daday, Bodhi Deggendorf, Jonathan Dise, Maggie Handren, Landon Kaplan, Matilda Keating, Sydney Piette, Devin Roca, Jack Simmons, Lucas Varosky, Sarah Vuilliomenet, Ashley White, Shea Young

Plainville - Annie Hatami, Andrew Hutchins, Connor Huzco-Hall, Makenna Jones, Leonardo Oliveira

Seekonk - Serena Avila, Cayden Bourassa, William Godfrey, Grace Gordon, Alexander Gries, Jack Pardi, Seth Varhol

Walpole - Grace Kennedy, Parker Loconto, Thomas O'Shaughnessy, Kaleigh Stenstrom

Wrentham - Noah Gable, Thomas Genereux, Martin McCrave

For more information about the John & Abigail Adams Scholarship and its benefits, please visit the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website at (https://www.mass.gov/info-details/john-and-abigail-adams-scholarship). 

Shared from -> https://www.tri-county.us/o/tri-county-vocational-tech/article/1985550

School Committee gets MCAS update, FHS theatre update, approves capital budget & varsity ski co-op (audio)

FM #1330 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1330 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024. 6 members participated in Council Chambers, 1 absent (Griffin)

Quick recap:

• 3 coaches recognized as MIAA coaches of the year, (basketball, unified track, & swim coach); Ice hockey players down across states, approved for 8th grade waiver for varsity program, For the girls, to be clear, not boys, 13 skaters and 2 goalies currently

• Review of free/reduced application with a Franklin threshold, folks could apply, especially for winter sports if they have not participated in fall sports

• On guest presentations, theater program at FHS - Virginia Bernstein speaking to the student program (Outsiders, first show); Yellow Boat, a competition show, part of the annual program. 13 teachers volunteered to help out, Not just about putting on a play, grit plus. "Theater is not a luxury it is a vital part of the educational program" Thanks around from Cmte members and to the volunteer teachers! "This is a portrait of a graduate! She is articulate and advocating for her program"

• Dr Rogers, Dr Frazier, Mr Stark present an update on the MCAS results for the District. Difference between formative and summative data points. 1 slides is full of logos an indication of the investments made in the academic support tools used in the schools; Sullivan and Jefferson met/ exceeded standards. And an opportunity to remind that MCAS is not going away, it will remain, the vote did take away MCAS as a graduation requirement. How does the data play into the curriculum refresh cycle? It does play. For instructional directions for sure, and may for curriculum decisions, depending upon timing and budget.

• Discussion Action Items - I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading as discussed:

• ● ACA – Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex

• ● ACA-R – Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex under Title IX Including Sex-Based Harassment; Moved to second reading, passes 6-0-1 (1 absent)

• Varsity Ski Co-Op - I recommend approval of the request of FHS Athletics for a Co-Op Varsity Skiing with Nipmuc Regional High School as detailed. Parent participating as volunteer for this trial co-op program. Motion to approve, second, passes 6-0-1 (1 absent)

• Capital Requests - I recommend approval of the Capital Requests as detailed. Previewed in the budget subcmte meeting earlier today, these are initial, could be modified and prioritized as needed; also a further iteration will have refinement for this figures. Finally, a vote on the capital request as detailed, motion to approve, passes 6-0-1 (1 absent)

• Student handbook review with DESE, self assessment prior, minor revisions and information for parents for code of conduct infractions, motion to approve second, passes 6-0-1 (1absent)

• Discussion only item, inclement weather update, on the schools page, reminding what we'll do during this winter, safety at the forefront, it may be a challenge for families but is is acknowledged, usually would make by 5:30 AM, try to do so the night before if possible

• Committee entered Executive Session for contract negotiation strategy not to return to open meeting

The recording runs about 2 hours & 30 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1330-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-11-26-24/

--------------

Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/__1gVQEZ10M?si=1GxkAYdlZPEpCOeB&t=68 

Agenda for this session -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5044643/SCAGENDA_11-26-24.pdf 

Meeting packet (other docs as they are released after the meeting will get posted here) -> https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/november-26%2C-2024-sc-meeting-packet/726241 

My notes in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kq3_uhkW1YicIGxzV01n7EfGeSnhDwAg/view?usp=drive_link 

Photo album of the MCAS slides shared ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/pfBg1HiVMKfPduAb9 

-------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

1 slides is full of logos an indication of the investments made in the academic support tools used in the schools

School Committee gets MCAS update, FHS theatre update, approves capital budget & varsity ski co-op (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, Nov 26 ay 7 PM. 6 of the 7 members participated in Council Chambers (Griffin was absent).

Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/__1gVQEZ10M?si=1GxkAYdlZPEpCOeB&t=68

Agenda for this session -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5044643/SCAGENDA_11-26-24.pdf

Meeting packet (other docs as they are released after the meeting will get posted here) -> https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/november-26%2C-2024-sc-meeting-packet/726241

Quick recap:

• 3 coaches recognized as MIAA coaches of the year, (basketball, unified track, & swim coach); Ice hockey players down across states, approved for 8th grade waiver for varsity program, For the girls, to be clear, not boys, 13 skaters and 2 goalies currently
• Review of free/reduced application with a Franklin threshold, folks could apply, especially for winter sports if they have not participated in fall sports
• On guest presentations, theater program at FHS - Virginia Bernstein speaking to the student program (Outsiders, first show); Yellow Boat, a competition show, part of the annual program. 13 teachers volunteered to help out, Not just about putting on a play, grit plus. "Theater is not a luxury it is a vital part of the educational program" Thanks around from Cmte members and to the volunteer teachers! "This is a portrait of a graduate! She is articulate and advocating for her program"
• Dr Rogers, Dr Frazier, Mr Stark present an update on the MCAS results for the District. Difference between formative and summative data points. 1 slides is full of logos an indication of the investments made in the academic support tools used in the schools; Sullivan and Jefferson met/ exceeded standards. And an opportunity to remind that MCAS is not going away, it will remain, the vote did take away MCAS as a graduation requirement. How does the data play into the curriculum refresh cycle? It does play. For instructional directions for sure, and may for curriculum decisions, depending upon timing and budget.
• Discussion Action Items - I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading as discussed:
• ● ACA – Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex
• ● ACA-R – Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex under Title IX Including Sex-Based Harassment; Moved to second reading, passes 6-0-1 (1 absent)
• Varsity Ski Co-Op - I recommend approval of the request of FHS Athletics for a Co-Op Varsity Skiing with Nipmuc Regional High School as detailed. Parent participating as volunteer for this trial co-op program. Motion to approve, second, passes 6-0-1 (1 absent)
• Capital Requests - I recommend approval of the Capital Requests as detailed. Previewed in the budget subcmte meeting earlier today, these are initial, could be modified and prioritized as needed; also a further iteration will have refinement for this figures. Finally, a vote on the capital request as detailed, motion to approve, passes 6-0-1 (1 absent)
• Student handbook review with DESE, self assessment prior, minor revisions and information for parents for code of conduct infractions, motion to approve second, passes 6-0-1 (1absent)
• Discussion only item, inclement weather update, on the schools page, reminding what we'll do during this winter, safety at the forefront, it may be a challenge for families but is is acknowledged, usually would make by 5:30 AM, try to do so the night before if possible
• Committee entered Executive Session for contract negotiation strategy not to return to open meeting

My notes in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kq3_uhkW1YicIGxzV01n7EfGeSnhDwAg/view?usp=drive_link

Photo album of the MCAS slides shared ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/pfBg1HiVMKfPduAb9

1 slides is full of logos an indication of the investments made in the academic support tools used in the schools

Frank Presents: Donna Grady as the discuss the MCAS ballot question (video)

Franklin Falvey sits down with Keller Elementary teacher and Franklin Education Association (FEA) President to talk about MCAS and the ballot question before the voters this election. 

video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKVpXITDqHs

Frank Presents: Donna Grady as the discuss the MCAS ballot question (video)

59 Tri-County Students Receive Adams Scholarships

Fifty-nine members of the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical HS Class of 2024 recently were notified that they are recipients of the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship. The prestigious award provides tuition assistance to those attending four and two-year Massachusetts colleges and universities.

Adams Scholarship eligibility is determined on MCAS performance. Nearly 27% of the Class of 2024 received the honor meaning in Grade 10 they attained "advanced" performance in at least one of the three major categories (English Language Arts, Math, STE: Biology, Chemistry, Introductory Physics or Technology/Engineering. In addition, the recipients must have attained proficient status in the remaining two assessments.

"The entire Tri-County community is proud of these students for attaining this prestigious honor," Superintendent Dr. Karen Maguire said. "It is a testament nor only to them and their hard work but our faculty and staff for putting them in a position to succeed."

Since its founding in 1977, the mission of Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School is to provide an excellent comprehensive technical and academic education to regional high school students. State-of-the-art technical skills and knowledge are enriched and complemented by a solid foundation of academic skills. Creative and cooperative partnerships between area employers and a dynamic staff at Tri-County guarantee the continued growth and development of exciting programs designed to prepare graduates for careers in the twenty-first century. The school proudly services the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole and Wrentham. For more, visit the school online at www.tri-county.us or any of our social media platforms.

59 Tri-County Students Receive Adams Scholarships

Class of 2024 Adams Scholar Recipients Listed by Community

Attleboro
Dayrin Cardona, Amiyah Kincey, Ashley Umanzor-Martinez.

Bellingham
Eduarda Defigueiredo

Franklin
Samuel Bernheart, Seth Canzano, Ava Cossette, Shawn Dignan, Eden Dumas, Nicholas Ewanchuk, Camden Lallier, Torin McCarthy, Aiven Nichols, Savannah Nosek, Lino Pirrotta.

Medway
Sinead Bergeron, Zachary Davis, Zachary Lawrence

Milford
Destiny Carroll

Millis
Samuel Noonan

North Attleboro
Carol Abdel Alrhim, Shaelyn Caffrey, Kaylee Chouinard, Samuel DeForest, Kaitlynn DiChiara, Caroline Fontanez, Samantha Geddry, Alexis Hubert, Benjamin Kaluzny, Devin, Leber, Samantha McCarthy, Rebekah Paine, Isabelle Plante, Raiana Willis, Jonah Yeaton, Ivy Young.

Norfolk
Noah Renner

Plainville
Dominic Crisafi, Alkfonso Gomnez, Cameron Jon es, Matthew Noonan, Andrew Pavidis, Ashley Sedam.

Seekonk
Peyton Griffin, Samuel Marcotte, Hope Thibault, Travis Turner.

Walpole
James Hazeldine, Sophia Holbrook, Erik Larson, Logan Loconto, Ethan Roco, Rose Tripp, Alexander Vasilyev, Lucas Volpe, Diana Yanes.

Wrentham
Molly McDermott, Hailey McLeod, Callie Schweitzer.

School Committee hears from Parmenter, FHS Art Honor trip & District educational assessment (audio)

FM #1111 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1111 in the series. 

The Franklin (MA) School Committee met on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 as scheduled.  All seven newly elected members participated, one remotely.

Quick recap:

• Parameter update from Principal Chelman, and Asst Principal Harvey

• FHS Art Honor Society proposal for two museums in one trip

• District Assessment presentation, Dr Rogers remote; Dr Frazier, Director of Curriculum for humanities; Eric Stark, Director of Curriculum for STEM

• Al Charles speaks to the point of success seen a couple of years after the SchCmte funded the curriculum investments made in Math

• It is important to know that MCAS is just one data point and that it takes more than that for students to strive

Let’s listen to the School Committee meeting of Nov 28. The total meeting audio runs about 1 hour & 40 minutes. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1111-franklin-ma-school-committee-meeting-11-28-23

--------------

School Committee page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee 

The agenda -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/11/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-for_0289625050.html 

Meeting Packet folder -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/november-28-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet 

Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2J9NdQCWqlM 

My notes collected via PDF (captured during meeting via Twitter)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dKDfMFeUK43g70Li6XbLlhdVssSKLZAv/view?usp=drive_link 

Parmenter presentation (photos) -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/YqoHEk15yf9shdmUA 

FHS Honors Art field trip proposal -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/h2RijFLcBVSmMyxg9 

FPS Assessment presentation (photos) ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/usVENZQpJ6up78RD6 

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit franklin.news/ or Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

School Committee - Agenda for Meeting Tuesday, Nov 28, 2023

"We know our kids can"

"STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT REMAINS well below where it was in 2019, indicating a steep loss in learning during the pandemic that has yet to be made up, according to statewide MCAS results released Thursday. 

“Compared to pre-pandemic we still have a way to go across all subject levels to fully recover learning losses,” said state Education Commissioner Jeff Riley. 

The 2022 MCAS results reflect the standardized tests that were taken in the spring of 2022 in grades three through eight and grade 10. In every subject – math, English, and science – the percentage of students who scored as meeting or exceeding expectations fell between 2019, the last year of full, in-person education, and 2022.  

There were some hopeful signs, with both math and science scores rebounding slightly compared to 2021, indicating that some learning recovery has begun. However, there were also areas where scores have continued to drop, including in writing and elementary school English.  "

Continue reading the article online 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/education/mcas-scores-show-major-drop-since-2019/

Or wait until November ? when Franklin School District has had time to get it's set of numbers and do some work with them to tell us the real story.

MCAS scores show major drop since 2019

MA News Recap: Some State lawmakers object to MCAS proposal; SJC approves language for "fair share"; Votes Act signed

Mass. legislators urge state education leaders not to raise MCAS graduation requirements 

"Nearly 100 Massachusetts lawmakers sent a letter to state education leaders on Tuesday opposing raising state standardized test scores needed for students to graduate high school.

The letter highlights concerns from legislators about consequences they believe a state proposal made in April to raise the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System, or MCAS, graduation requirements could have, particularly among students who have been “disproportionately harmed by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education members said in April they want to ensure students who receive a diploma meet the state’s expectations on a new version of the MCAS test. They also want to push schools to better support those students who struggle to pass the MCAS who disproportionately are from low-income households, students of color, students with disabilities, and English language learners."

Continue reading the Boston Globe article online (subscription may be required) ->

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/06/22/metro/mass-legislators-urge-state-education-leaders-not-raise-mcas-graduation-requirements/ 

A PDF copy of the letter can be found ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sBjNscREZjSGAoFo2Io3a3WC34YTLoCR/view?usp=sharing

Mass. high court rules ‘millionaires tax’ question was written ‘fairly.’ It goes before voters in November.

"The state’s highest court on Wednesday rejected a challenge from business leaders to rewrite the summary of a ballot measure that would raise taxes on the state’s wealthiest residents, handing a victory to labor unions, Democratic lawmakers, and others who’ve spent years pushing the measure to a November vote.

In an unanimous decision, the Supreme Judicial Court ruled that Attorney General Maura Healey’s office “fairly” described the thrust of the so-called millionaires tax proposal in both a summary it’s required to prepare for voters and one-sentence statements outlining what a “yes” or “no” vote would do.

The proposal, dubbed the Fair Share Amendment by its proponents, would amend the state Constitution to create a 9 percent income tax rate on annual earnings above $1 million, while retaining the broad 5 percent rate for earnings below that amount."

Continue reading the Boston Globe article online (subscription may be required) ->

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/06/22/metro/sjc-rejects-business-leaders-challenge-millionaires-tax-summary-ruling-it-was-written-fairly/

Bucking party, Baker makes vote-by-mail permanent

"DESPITE CONCERNS by members of his own party, Gov. Charlie Baker, a Republican, signed a law Wednesday making voting by mail permanent.  

Massachusetts allowed early voting by mail for the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Democrats and voting rights activists have been pushing to make the reforms permanent in order to increase voter turnout.  

The new law will permanently allow voting by mail for any state or presidential primary or general election. It shortens the voter registration window to 10 days, although it does not allow for same-day voter registration, as some advocates had hoped.  "

Continue reading the CommonWealth Magazine article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/politics/bucking-party-baker-makes-vote-by-mail-permanent/

MA News Recap