New DESE Advisory: What the Removal of MCAS Means for Transition Planning in IEPs

Ensuring Students on IEPs are ready for life after high school.

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) just released a new advisory outlining changes for the Class of 2026 and beyond—including the shift away from MCAS as a graduation requirement. But for parents of students with IEPs, this memo does more than change a testing rule—it highlights the critical importance of transition planning.

✅ What's in the New DESE Advisory?

As of July 2025, students may graduate high school without passing MCAS, provided they demonstrate competency in other ways. For students with disabilities, this makes it even more essential that their transition plan is solid, detailed, and tailored to their future.

The DESE advisory reminds schools that transition services must be based on the student’s:

• Needs

• Strengths

• Preferences

• Interests

And must include:

• Instruction

• Related services

• Community experiences

• Employment and adult living goals

• (If needed) Daily living skills & functional vocational evaluations

💡 What This Means for Your Child

Removing MCAS may ease testing stress, but it does not guarantee your child is ready for life after high school. That’s where a strong transition plan comes in.

Transition planning prepares your child for what’s next—whether it’s a job, college, vocational training, supported living, or community involvement.

A strong transition plan is more than paperwork. It’s a roadmap to adulthood.

👩‍👧‍👦 What Parents Need to Do Now

1. Review the IEP – Find the transition planning section (required starting at age 14).

2. Make Sure It’s Individualized – It should reflect your child’s actual interests, strengths, and real goals—not a generic plan.

3. Ask for Community-Based Experiences – Job shadowing, volunteering, and life skills training should be part of the plan.

4. Ensure the Plan Prepares for the Future – Does it lead toward a job, further education, or independent living?

5. Invite Your Child to Participate – DESE recommends including your child in transition planning—they are the center of it.

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Call a Meeting – If your child’s IEP doesn’t reflect meaningful, personalized transition planning, request a team meeting.

📣 Final Thoughts & Call to Action: The removal of MCAS as a graduation requirement is a significant change—but it doesn't alter the law requiring schools to prepare students with disabilities for adult life.

Now is the time to make sure your child’s transition plan is:

✅ Comprehensive
✅ Actionable
✅ Centered on their unique goals

➡️ Call an IEP meeting if needed.
➡️ Ask tough questions.
➡️ Make sure your child is ready for life after high school—not just to graduate.

Check out Advisory Here

🔍 Need help reviewing your child’s transition plan or preparing for an IEP meeting? Contact Ask the Advocate—we specialize in creating individualized, future-focused plans that help students succeed beyond high school.