As you may know, Governor Maura Healey created a Statewide K-12 Graduation Council to recommend a new vision for statewide graduation requirements and setting high school graduates up for success. As part of this initiative, the Statewide Graduation Council is hosting a series of listening sessions across the state to inform recommendations on how Massachusetts can ensure all students graduate with the skills necessary to succeed in college, careers, and civic life, regardless of background or circumstance and demonstrate these qualities through a consistent statewide set of expectations.

The upcoming listening sessions, including one virtual option, will engage a broad range of stakeholders, including students, parents and caregivers, educators, school counselors, labor representatives, education advocacy organizations, legislators and the business community.

• Wednesday, May 28: Somerville High School, 5-7 p.m.
• Tuesday, June 3: Virtual, 6-8 p.m.
• Thursday, June 5: Holyoke High School, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
• Monday, June 9: Barnstable High School, 5-7 p.m.  

The listening session will focus on receiving feedback and input on our essential question: “What should it mean to graduate from high school in Massachusetts?” and the following guiding questions:  

1. What do we want students to know and be able to do when they graduate high school?  
2. What coursework and learning experiences should all students complete for college, career, and civic life? 
3. How should students demonstrate their learning and college, career, and civic readiness? 
4. How do we ensure that all students are meeting the same high standards for graduation? 

Following the moderated discussion with the audience, there will be an opportunity for attendees to provide public comment.  

If you are interested in attending, we encourage you to complete an optional registration form. You will also find additional information and updates about the Statewide Graduation Council’s work on our website at www.mass.gov/k12gradcouncil.