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Competency Determination Update

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Grade 10 MCAS Administration�Even though passing the MCAS is no longer necessary for graduation, state regulations still require participation in MCAS assessments. As a result, Masco will continue to administer the exam, and all students will be scheduled to take it at the designated times during the year.

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Scholarships and Awards�The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will still use MCAS scores to determine eligibility for the following scholarships and awards:

  • John and Abigail Adams Scholarship
  • Stanley Z. Koplik Certificate of Mastery
  • Seal of Biliteracy

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Accountability and Performance Tracking�MCAS scores will continue to be used to evaluate school and district performance, as well as student achievement and growth. DESE uses these scores to assess our progress toward meeting educational goals.

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What changed?

The "competency determination" shall be based on students satisfactorily completing coursework that has been certified by the student's district as showing mastery of the skills, competencies, and knowledge contained in the state academic standards and curriculum frameworks in the areas measured by the MCAS high school tests. Satisfaction of the requirements of the competency determination shall be a condition for high school graduation.

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Q8: Will DESE be providing a list of courses that meet the new language of the law? (12/11/24)

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A8: Not at this time. The new language in the law gives districts the responsibility of certifying coursework "satisfactorily complet[ed]" by the student. Districts should certify that students have satisfactorily completed coursework aligned with state academic standards and curriculum frameworks in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and at least one Science discipline (Biology, Introductory Physics, Chemistry, or Technology/Engineering).

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https://www.doe.mass.edu/commissioner/spec-advisories/2024-1211student-cd-update.html

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For students in the graduating classes of 2025, 2026, and 2027 (Science only), who have not yet achieved a CD through the previous MCAS assessments in Science, Mathematics, and English Language Arts (ELA), and for all students in the Class of 2028 and beyond, the following will apply to their Competency Determination (CD):

Each student’s CD will include successful completion (passing grade) of the following courses:

  • Either Science 9, or Biology
  • English 9 and English 10
  • Two years of mathematics, either Algebra I (or an equivalent course) and Geometry or Geometry and Algebra II.
  • Or other equivalent courses as determined by the principal.