We want to keep you informed about the recent passage of “Question 2” in Massachusetts, a ballot initiative that impacts high school graduation requirements. Below are key details about the changes and what they mean for Atlantis Charter School and our students.

What is Question 2?

“Question 2” eliminates the statewide requirement for students to pass the 10th-grade MCAS assessment to earn a Competency Determination (CD) and graduate high school.

What You Need to Know

• MCAS Will Continue: The MCAS assessments will still be administered annually in grades 3–8 and grade 10. It remains a key tool for assessing student achievement and overall school performance.
• Graduation Requirements Are Changing: Students will no longer need qualifying MCAS scores for a CD once the new law takes effect. Instead, graduation eligibility will rely on satisfactorily completing coursework certified by the district.

Key Dates and Guidance

1. Effective Date:
   • The earliest the new law will take effect is December 5, 2024, according to the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
2. November 2024 MCAS Retests:
   • Retests for English Language Arts (November 6–7) and Mathematics (November 12–13) will proceed as scheduled. Students achieving qualifying scores will meet the current CD requirements for those subjects.
3. Impact on Students:
   • Students with a CD before the law takes effect: If students have already earned qualifying MCAS scores in Math, ELA, and Science, they retain their CD and remain eligible for a diploma, provided they meet local graduation requirements.
   • Students without a CD when the law takes effect: These students will meet the CD requirement by completing district-certified coursework. Guidance on certification is forthcoming.

Next Steps

We recognize that this transition raises many questions, and Atlantis Charter School is committed to keeping our community informed as more guidance becomes available from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

If you have immediate concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we navigate these changes together.

Stay Informed
We will update this page as new information is provided. Please check back regularly for the latest updates.

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