To the editor:
As longtime educators, we are writing with a classroom perspective on Question 2, which would eliminate Massachusetts’ only statewide high school graduation requirement.
I’ve never had a parent come to me and say: “Can you please lower your expectations for my child.” Yet, that’s exactly what will happen if Question 2 passes. The current 10th grade assessment — which measures basic knowledge of English, math and science and students get multiple attempts to pass — is an important common evaluation across school districts of students’ readiness for what comes after high school.
Eliminating it means we’ll have 300+ different and unequal standards. That will reinforce the influence of students’ zip codes in determining the quality of their education and their opportunities in life.
Question 2 has real-life implications for all students. Students with learning disabilities, English learners, and students of color are particularly at risk of being left behind in systems that are not held accountable.
Question 2 would stunt our ability to determine children’s readiness to graduate. Our kids will be left behind if they cannot pass basic requirements for math, science, and English. Students are counting on us all to vote NO on Question 2.
James Conway, Revere
Cynthia Agruso, Agawam
Jenn Amento, Mashpee
Teachers in Massachusetts
