DESE orders new competency-determination plans; Beverly aims to present local proposal by October

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education told districts in early August that competency-determination processes used last academic year must be replaced and resubmitted under a new framework, Superintendent Peter Cushing told the Beverly School Committee on Sept. 10.

"The quote from the webinar was, 'This is something entirely new.' That is a direct quote," Cushing said, summarizing guidance he and district leaders heard from DESE. Districts must submit updated competency-determination plans and consolidated graduation requirements by Dec. 31, 2025, DESE said; Cushing told the committee the district will aim to complete its internal work by Oct. 31 so that the committee has time for multiple readings and deliberation.

Cushing said the district has assembled an internal team that includes the high school principal, guidance director and curriculum staff to draft the required documents. He said the state also will publish districts' graduation requirements and competency determinations in one searchable location so prospective families and students can compare them across districts.

Committee members asked for materials to review. Cushing said he would share the DESE webinar and other guidance. He warned that the webinar recording stopped before the Q&A portion and that some of the most detailed clarifications came in the unrecorded Q&A.

Ending: The district will prepare and present a proposed competency-determination framework to the school committee in October and will solicit committee input before the district submits final documentation to DESE by Dec. 31, 2025.