Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Assessment Testing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Superintendent clarifies MCAS requirements: competency determination removed, assessments remain
Summary
Superintendent Powers told the committee that Massachusetts districts must continue to administer MCAS tests even after voters removed competency determination from state requirements; districts are developing local competency-determination procedures for graduation requirements.
Superintendent Powers told the school committee that, despite a voter-approved change this fall to remove the statewide competency determination tied to MCAS, districts are still required to administer the MCAS tests and the results will continue to be used in state accountability measures.
"MCAS is here to stay," Powers said. The November change removed the competency-determination requirement but did not end state testing, he explained; the responsibility for any local competency determinations now sits with districts and the Bridgewater-Raynham district is developing short-term local requirements while waiting for additional guidance from the state.
Powers said the district has already started assessments at the high school and that results will be used in accountability reporting. He added that students in the class of 2025 who have not passed MCAS will either be shown to have sufficient proficiency to earn a local competency determination or will receive alternative pathways as allowed under state law and forthcoming guidance.
No vote was required; the committee received the report and asked no follow-up questions during the meeting.
