Committee adopts short‑term competency determination for students after MCAS rule change

Gardner — The Gardner School Committee unanimously adopted a temporary competency determination policy April 14 to accommodate state changes to MCAS‑based graduation requirements.

Superintendent Dr. Pellegrino told the committee that MCAS is no longer the sole mechanism for competency determination and that districts must adopt local language while the state DESE works on new guidance. The committee approved language intended to apply immediately to the class of 2025 and for the near term while DESE completes its work.

Under the adopted policy, students can meet competency standards in each subject by either a qualifying MCAS score earned before July 2024 or by earning passing grades in specified course sequences or their principal‑approved equivalents: for English, passing English 9 and English 10 (or equivalents); for mathematics, passing algebra and geometry (or equivalents); and for science, completing biology, chemistry or physics (or equivalents). Students who do not meet one or more of the standards will be monitored and supported through grades 11 and 12 and can meet requirements by passing relevant courses or completing approved coursework in grades 10–12.

Mr. LaFreniere moved to accept the superintendent’s recommendation; Mr. Schwartz seconded. The motion carried by voice vote.

Committee members asked clarifying questions about MassCore and course sequencing. Dr. Pellegrino and principals assured members that the district’s graduation course requirements remain in place and that the adopted policy specifies course pathways that satisfy competency determinations while giving principals discretion to identify course equivalents.

The policy will be revisited as DESE issues updated statewide guidance.