Massachusetts officials advance MassCore and MyCAP rules ahead of new graduation laws

Massachusetts education leaders are preparing to submit new regulations that mandate specific coursework and career planning tools for high schools. These rules form the administrative foundation for the state's revised graduation requirements following the removal of the MCAS exam mandate in 2024.

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education met on Tuesday to address these two components of the proposed framework. Officials stated that this year's regulations will define what districts must offer students rather than imposing immediate new hurdles for individual graduates. The actual student-level graduation requirements remain pending legislative action.

Lauren Woo, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education deputy commissioner, explained that the current step establishes the baseline for access. "The regulations this year would establish what districts and schools would be required to offer students: all students receiving access to MassCore and all students receiving post-secondary planning through MyCAP," Woo said. She added that this setup ensures districts are positioned for success when the final legislation passes.

MassCore is a recommended program of study covering English, math, science, arts, and other subjects. Adam Seidel, the department's senior associate commissioner of Secondary Schools and Beyond, noted that 70% of high schools already require MassCore or sit one course away from doing so. Districts reported that 82% of public high school graduates in 2025 completed the program. Seidel indicated that researchers view MassCore as a strong predictor of postsecondary success, though data shows challenging patterns for students with disabilities and English language learners.

The second component, MyCAP, would require students to begin a career and academic plan in ninth grade. The tool is designed to help students explore careers, select courses, and identify necessary skills. Seidel said research links this planning to higher rates of high school graduation and college enrollment. Officials intend to preserve current flexibilities and substitutions to help students in varying circumstances access the curriculum.

The board will begin its formal discussion of the MassCore and MyCAP regulations in November. Meanwhile, the department is providing workshops, guidance, and grants to assist schools with implementation. Seidel reported that many districts are eager to build capacity now, noting that most components align with existing local goals or are already present in some form within their schools.

The proposed graduation framework also includes end-of-course assessments, portfolios or capstones, and embedded components such as financial literacy and work-based learning. These additional elements are part of the broader package that state Education Secretary and DESE Commissioner recommended in June.