Massachusetts is confronting a significant educational challenge, highlighted by a troubling gap between high school graduation rates and math proficiency among students. While nearly 90 percent of high school students in the state graduate on time, less than half of 10th graders achieved proficiency in math according to MCAS tests from last year. This disparity raises critical questions about the quality of education that students receive and their preparedness for higher education and the workforce.
Despite the impressive graduation statistics, the reality is more complex. Approximately 26,000 high school sophomores only “partially” met the state’s expectations in math, while an additional 11,000 were categorized as “not meeting” those expectations. Similar trends are evident in English and science, indicating a broader issue within the education system.
The increase in public college enrollment, which has surged by around 24,000 students since 2022, suggests a positive trend. However, this rise is largely attributed to adults returning to education rather than new high school graduates. The matriculation rate for recent high school graduates entering state colleges and universities has declined from 50 percent in 2015 to 44 percent in 2024, raising concerns about the readiness of graduates for higher education.
Moreover, the influx of students into community colleges, known for having some of the lowest graduation rates in the nation, poses further challenges. Recent data indicates that barely more than one in three students who enroll in Massachusetts community colleges earn a degree or certificate within six years, placing the state among the worst in the country for community college completion rates. Black and Hispanic students experience even lower success rates, exacerbating educational inequities.
The implications of these trends are significant for Massachusetts’ economy, particularly in sectors such as biotechnology and healthcare that rely on a well-prepared workforce in STEM fields. Currently, the education system risks failing to adequately prepare young people for these critical jobs.
In response to these challenges, Massachusetts has initiated efforts to enhance educational standards. An executive order from Governor Maura Healey, signed in January 2025, established a statewide council tasked with developing recommendations for new high school graduation standards. Their draft report suggests implementing a rigorous course of study known as MassCore, which aligns with higher education admission requirements. Completion of this program is linked to improved post-secondary outcomes, especially in math.
The council also proposed that students undertake capstone projects and create career and academic plans, with opportunities to earn “seals of distinction” in areas such as academics and civic engagement. However, these initiatives rely on subjective assessments without standardized benchmarks.
To address this, the council plans to shift from the traditional MCAS exam to a system of end-of-course assessments for subjects including Algebra I, English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies. This model, already in use in several states like Georgia and Virginia, could enhance accountability, as some of these states incorporate exam results into final course grades. Notably, these states boast significantly higher community college graduation rates than Massachusetts.
While requiring end-of-course exams as a graduation prerequisite is a positive step, it represents only the beginning of a broader accountability framework. School and district leaders must be held responsible for ensuring students meet state standards in core subjects. Teacher training programs should also focus on equipping educators with effective teaching methods. Additionally, public colleges and universities need to provide support services that facilitate student success, with accountability mechanisms tied to performance outcomes.
Implementing a comprehensive accountability system may not be popular, but it has proven effective in the past. The Massachusetts Education Reform Act of 1993 serves as a prime example, propelling the state to the forefront of national education rankings. Massachusetts must blend access and rigor with a commitment to measurable results to overcome the current educational challenges. Without this approach, high graduation rates will continue to obscure the reality of an education system that is failing many students.
