Rethinking MCAS and Graduation Requirements with Jennifer Davis Carey

This episode aired on 10/30/24 on WICN 90.5FM

Hey Worcester! In this episode of Public Hearing, I’m sitting down with Jennifer Davis Carey, Executive Director of the Worcester Education Collaborative (WEC), to break down Massachusetts Ballot Question 2: the possible removal of MCAS as a high school graduation requirement. Jen and I explore what it might mean in Mass if districts are left to set their own graduation standards and consider what we want a diploma to signify in a changing world.  From academic rigor and equity to the skills our graduates need, we dig into the implications of this ballot question and the future of education in Massachusetts.

Whether you’re a parent, a student, or a community member, this episode offers important insights into how we can create better pathways to success for all students.

Key Topics:

• Overview of Question 2 and the implications of what removing MCAS as a graduation requirement might mean in Massachusetts
• Balancing academic rigor with equity and access
• Alternative pathways for graduation and future educational standards
• The role of soft skills, project-based learning, and adapting education to today’s workforce needs
• What Worcester is doing to address educational equity, from MassCore to community-driven reading initiatives

Chapter Markers:

• 00:00 – Introduction: Exploring Mass Ballot Question 2 with Jennifer Davis Carey
• 02:07 – What Question 2 might mean for Massachusetts schools
• 04:36 – The future of academic rigor and graduation requirements
• 08:53 – Massachusetts MassCore standards and Worcester’s local commitment
• 13:12 – Worcester Education Collaborative’s stance and focus areas
• 15:28 – How soft skills and critical thinking shape student success
• 18:04 – The importance of lifelong learning and adaptability in education
• 20:38 – The rise of AI in education and potential impacts on learning
• 21:40 – Worcester Education Collaborative’s upcoming initiatives

Tune in every Wednesday at 6 PM on WICN 90.5 FM or wherever you get your podcasts. Let’s keep the conversation going on what we can do to support every student’s success in Worcester and beyond!

Learn more and follow at QueerForCities.com/PublicHearing

Created & Hosted by Joshua Croke.
Our Audio Producer is Giuliano D'Orazio.

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