Framingham Public Schools introduces new competency requirements for high school graduation

In a pivotal meeting held on January 13, 2025, the Framingham School Committee's Teaching and Learning Subcommittee addressed significant changes to high school graduation requirements, particularly regarding competency determination. The discussion centered around the recent legislative shift that disallows the use of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) as a graduation requirement after the November retest, prompting the district to reevaluate how students can demonstrate their readiness for graduation.

As the meeting unfolded, it became clear that the district must establish new criteria for competency that align with state expectations. The proposed framework requires students to earn a total of 22 credits and demonstrate competency through either passing scores on the MCAS exams or successful completion of designated courses in English Language Arts, mathematics, and science. This flexibility is particularly important for students who may have taken equivalent courses in different states or countries.

The implications of these changes are profound, especially for the class of 2024, where 68 students were previously denied diplomas solely based on their MCAS performance. With the new competency determination policy, these students may now qualify for diplomas if they meet the revised criteria. Currently, 47 of these students are under review to assess their eligibility for graduation.

Looking ahead, the committee also discussed the current senior class of 2025, where 447 out of 558 students have already met competency through prior MCAS exams. The new proposal could potentially allow an additional 28 students to graduate by recognizing their coursework as meeting competency standards. However, 58 students still face challenges, with some having failed all MCAS subjects. The district is exploring various support options, including online courses and schedule adjustments, to help these students meet graduation requirements.

As the meeting concluded, the urgency of the situation was palpable. The committee is poised to finalize the competency determination plan, which will not only impact current students but also set a precedent for future graduation requirements in Framingham Public Schools. The next steps will involve closely monitoring the results of the November retest and implementing support strategies to ensure that all students have the opportunity to earn their diplomas.