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Springfield School Committee approves local competency determination process for 2025 graduates after MCAS removal
Summary
The committee voted to certify local coursework-based competency determinations for students who did not earn MCAS-based certifications, and approved outreach and two application windows for former students seeking a 2025 diploma.
The Springfield School Committee on March 27 approved a local competency determination (CD) policy for the class of 2025 after statewide removal of MCAS as a graduation requirement.
Doctor Yolanda Johnson, the district leader presenting the plan, told the committee that “Effective 12/05/2024, MCAS is removed as a graduation requirement.” She said state law now requires districts to certify students’ mastery through coursework aligned to state standards and that Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) guidance directs districts to prioritize students in the class of 2025 who have not yet earned a CD.
Why it matters: The change affects current seniors and a large cohort of former students. Chief St. Lawrence said the district has identified 940 students in the class of 2025 who have not yet earned a CD and that the district will certify passing coursework in English (English 9 and English 10 or equivalency), mathematics (algebra and geometry or equivalency) and one laboratory science (biology, introductory physics or chemistry or equivalency).
The committee approved a plan that also opens an application process for former students who left between February 2003 and February 2024 to apply for a 2025-dated diploma if they meet the district’s CD requirements. St. Lawrence said those returning former students would need to apply and be verified; “the new law is applicable to former students,” he said.
Committee members stressed urgency and communications. Vice Chair Monroe Naylor and others urged a fast rollout so former students and families have time to apply and complete required coursework before reporting deadlines. The district told the committee it will run two application windows — a midyear window and an end-of-year window — and will create a communications plan to reach eligible former students.
The committee approved the motion by roll call; members present voted yes and the motion passed.
What’s next: The district will confirm the specific list of courses used for certification, publish application procedures for former students, post presentation materials online at the district website, and monitor forthcoming guidance from the governor’s K–12 graduation council expected later in 2025 that could require future adjustments.
