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Lawrence School Committee adopts state-required competency determination to replace MCAS graduation test
Summary
The Lawrence School Committee voted to adopt a competency determination policy that districts must implement after voter approval to remove MCAS as a statewide graduation requirement; the district will notify alumni who previously received certificates of attainment that they may be eligible for diplomas if they meet the new criteria.
The Lawrence Public Schools Committee voted to adopt a competency determination policy replacing MCAS as the state27s graduation test, with the district outlining how current students and alumni can qualify for diplomas under the new rules.
School leaders said the policy implements guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and does not change local diploma requirements but substitutes a competency determination for the MCAS portion of the former graduation standard.
Superintendent Carrero and district assessment staff told the committee that under the policy students must demonstrate competency by passing grade-level coursework: English (English 9 and English 10 or equivalent), Algebra 1 and Geometry (or equivalents), and a science course such as biology, chemistry, physics or technology/engineering. Lynn Gutierrez of the district assessment team described the policy as aligning coursework to the state academic standards previously measured by MCAS. Assistant Principal Christine Lum explained the team27s approach for transfer students: the district reviews incoming transcripts and aligns prior courses (for many international transfers, those labeled math 1/math 2) to the Massachusetts algebra and geometry sequence when possible.
Committee discussion focused on two practical issues: outreach to alumni who previously received a certificate of attainment rather than a diploma, and how the district will communicate the change to families and students. Superintendent Carrero said the district will identify alumni who hold certificates of attainment dating back to when MCAS was first used as a requirement (the district referenced 2003) and invite them to have their records reevaluated; if they meet the competency criteria the district will issue a diploma, noting that the issued diploma would show the awarding date (for example, June 2025) rather than the original graduation year. The district said it will use its website, social media, English- and Spanish-language local newspapers and direct outreach through Lawrence High School and the adult learning center to notify eligible alumni.
Public comment during the meeting included requests for transparency and for retroactive consideration of students denied diplomas because of MCAS. Jonathan Guzman, who identified himself as vice chair of the school committee, urged clarity on how families can opt out of MCAS testing and asked for inclusive pathways for students with special needs or limited English proficiency.
The committee approved the competency determination policy by roll call vote. Board members recorded as voting yes included Maria Colliero, Dr. Doris Galaf, Edgar de Leon, Maria Mueller, Mayor Brian de Pena and Chair Patricia Mariano; the motion carried.
Looking ahead, district staff said they will finalize outreach and public information steps if the policy is adopted: publish details on the district website, distribute notices in English and Spanish, notify alumni through school networks and coordinate with the high school team that will re-evaluate transcripts.
Votes at a glance: The committee also approved the meeting minutes of Feb. 26; that vote recorded several yes votes and 1 abstention.
The committee moved on to other agenda items after the vote.
