Bill > H322

This bill proposes to amend existing Massachusetts law regarding high school graduation requirements by establishing two distinct diplomas. Students who demonstrate competency by passing the state's assessment tests, known as the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) and any future versions of it, will receive a "Commonwealth Diploma" from the state Department of Education. Alternatively, students who meet academic standards and curriculum frameworks by fulfilling their local school committee's requirements will be granted a "Horace Mann Diploma" by their local school committee. Students will have the option to receive one or both of these diplomas, and either diploma will signify that the student has met the necessary competency for high school graduation and will grant them all the rights and privileges associated with it.