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School committee adopts new competency-determination policy after heated debate over D-minus standard
Summary
The Springfield School Committee voted to adopt a revised competency-determination policy aligned to recent DESE guidance, prompting extended debate over a D-minus passing grade and calls for further work on grading policy and remediation options. The district must submit the policy to DESE by Dec. 31, 2025.
The Springfield School Committee on Thursday adopted a revised competency-determination (CD) policy that aligns the district with July guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), but the measure drew sustained objections over a district-level decision to treat a D-minus as a passing grade. The vote followed several hours of presentation and debate and passed on a roll call after a motion from School Committee Member Barbara Gresham, seconded by School Committee Member Marge Hurst.
District officials told the committee the change is driven by statewide regulatory updates following a November 2024 ballot question that removed MCAS as the sole basis for the state competency determination. Doctor Yolanda Johnson, district staff, summarized DESE’s guidance: “Students must show mastery of skills in English language arts, mathematics, and science, and satisfactorily complete all relevant coursework,” she said, and described the district’s recommended…
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