Administrators outline ED 306 competency‑based shift; board approves first reads of linked policies

District administrators told the Timberlane school board that New Hampshire’s revised ED 306 rules will require the district to change how it awards high‑school credit and to revise multiple policies. The board approved first reads of related policy language and asked administrators for a schedule of policy updates and implementation plans.

Sandy, the district administrator who led the presentation, said the state’s revisions to minimum standards for public school approval (ED 306) take effect July 1, 2026, and for incoming high‑school freshmen that same date will govern the courses and credits that meet minimum state approval. Sandy framed the change as a statewide shift away from ‘‘seat time’’ and percentage grades toward competency‑based credit: under the new rules, awarding credit is tied to demonstrated proficiency on defined competencies rather than to attendance and a passing percent grade.

Sandy described new and expanded pathways students can use to earn competencies: extended learning opportunities (ELOs), portfolios, internships and other career‑related experiences, summer learning, and the state’s ‘‘Learn Everywhere’’ program, which consists of State Board‑approved…