Experts said that if the test requirement is repealed, the state should consider alternate graduation requirements to ensure continued minimum standards.

While Healey and other state leaders have maintained their position against the ballot question to eliminate MCAS as a high school graduation requirement, three polls show the "yes" vote solidly ahead.

The only state standard for graduation is to pass the MCAS exam and complete four years of physical education. With the MCAS requirement, Agruso said, some school districts will h

In its place, the ballot measure would establish a new mandate: Students would need to complete coursework certified by their districts in those subjects that meet state academic standards.

Battle lines continue to form around a ballot question to change a key component of the education reform law that some say made Massachusetts the<a class="excerpt-read-more" href=" More