SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - A vote back in November changed the standardized testing requirements for graduation– which now changes who is eligible for diplomas in the city of Springfield. Graduates from the past 20 years that met core course requirements can request a high school diploma for the first time ever.

“This opens wide doors for students,” Terry Powe, the assistant superintendent of curriculum for Springfield Public Schools claimed, before explaining just how beneficial their new diploma eligibility request program is for former students who may not have passed the MCAS, but did complete all other course requirements and received a certificate of attainment instead.

“They have now opportunities to go into the military, they have opportunities to pursue higher education, a

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