Lawrence Public Schools unveils new competency determination policy for high school graduation

The Lawrence Public Schools Board meeting on February 26, 2025, focused on the newly proposed Competency Determination Policy, a significant shift following the November 2024 vote that eliminated the MCAS exam as a graduation requirement for high school students in Massachusetts.

Superintendent Dr. Lynn Gutierrez presented the new policy, emphasizing that while the MCAS will still be administered, it will no longer serve as a criterion for graduation. Instead, students must demonstrate mastery of essential skills through coursework aligned with local academic standards. The policy outlines that to earn a diploma, students must complete specific courses, including English 9, English 10, Algebra 1, Geometry, and a science course, among others.

The new competency determination is designed to ensure that students have met the necessary educational benchmarks, reflecting their understanding of the curriculum. Transfer students will also be eligible for a Lawrence diploma, provided their transcripts meet the new requirements. Additionally, students who previously earned a certificate of attainment but did not pass the MCAS can request a transcript audit to determine if they now meet the updated criteria for graduation.

The board discussed the uniformity of the competency determination across all high schools in Lawrence, clarifying that while graduation requirements may vary by school, the competency standards will remain consistent. The board plans to monitor the impact of these changes on student outcomes and will review the policy as needed.

This meeting marks a pivotal moment for Lawrence Public Schools as they adapt to new state regulations and strive to maintain educational standards while ensuring that all students have the opportunity to graduate.