WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 527

An Act developing a Portrait of a Graduate

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dan Cahill and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts would establish a statewide Portrait of a Graduate with seven core competencies to guide curricula, supports, and assessments for postsecondary readiness.

Hearing scheduled for 11/12/2025 from 11:00 AM-05:00 PM in Gardner Auditorium
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 527

Summary: H.527 – An Act developing a Portrait of a Graduate

Overview

H.527, introduced February 27, 2025, would authorize the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to develop a statewide “Portrait of a Graduate.” The goal is to identify seven core competencies that high school graduates should possess to thrive in the 21st century and to provide a statewide resource for schools to implement and assess these competencies.

Purpose and intent

  • Establish a standardized framework of seven competencies that schools will support students to develop by graduation.
  • Create a statewide resource to guide districts, schools, and educators in cultivating these competencies and aligning curricula, programs, and assessments with the portrait.
  • Promote consistent expectations across the Commonwealth for postsecondary readiness and lifelong success.

Key provisions

  • DESE, in partnership with:
    • School districts
    • Experts in social and emotional learning (SEL) in school settings
    • Massachusetts Association of School Psychologists
    • Wayfinder Inc.
    • Workforce development agencies
    • Other stakeholders
    • will develop the statewide Portrait of a Graduate.
  • Identification of seven core competencies to be developed by graduation; the bill lists potential traits that may be included (examples below) but leaves open that the seven may encompass additional or alternative elements.
  • The seven competencies may include:
    • Self-Awareness
    • Adaptability
    • Empathy
    • Collaboration
    • Agency
    • Purpose
    • Responsible Decision-making
  • Creation of a state-wide resource to be used by schools across the Commonwealth.

Competencies (illustrative list)

  • Self-Awareness
  • Adaptability
  • Empathy
  • Collaboration
  • Agency
  • Purpose
  • Responsible Decision-making

(Note: The bill indicates these may be included; it does not require all seven to be fixed in stone beyond these examples.)

Implementation and governance

  • The portrait would be developed through collaboration among DESE, districts, SEL experts, and partner organizations.
  • The result is intended to be a practical framework and resource that districts can adopt or adapt to guide curriculum, instruction, supports, and assessments.

Affected parties

  • Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
  • Massachusetts school districts and schools
  • Students transitioning to graduation
  • Educators, school psychologists, and SEL professionals
  • Partner organizations and workforce development entities

Procedural history and timeline

  • Filed: January 17, 2025
  • Referred to: House Committee on Education (February 27, 2025)
  • Senate concurrence: Noted (status indicates Senate concurrence)
  • Related bill: HD 4060 (replaces the bill’s docket/file)
  • Hearing: Scheduled for November 12, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM in Gardner Auditorium

Notes

  • The bill text does not specify funding amounts or implementation timelines beyond establishing the portrait and resources.
  • The engagement of multiple partners suggests a comprehensive, cross-sector approach to graduate readiness.

Bottom line

H.527 seeks to codify a statewide Portrait of a Graduate in Massachusetts—defining seven key competencies to guide high school preparation and provide a uniform resource for schools, districts, and communities to ensure graduates are prepared for success in the modern era. The proposal emphasizes collaboration among DESE, districts, SEL experts, and workforce and organizational partners, with a formal hearing scheduled in November 2025.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.