Massachusetts Voters Back Push to Overturn High School Exit Exam

The ballot question had emerged as one of the more divisive contests in the state.

Photographer: Frederick Florin/AFP/Getty Images
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Massachusetts voters backed the elimination of the state’s standardized test as a high school graduation requirement, despite warnings from business leaders and Governor Maura Healey that the move would undermine its top-tier education system.

Students in Massachusetts are currently required to pass an exam in math, English and science — known as the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System, or MCAS — in order to receive a diploma. They will still need to sit for the test under federal guidelines, but the vote means that passing the exit exam will no longer be a prerequisite for graduation.