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School committee approves FHS program of studies and new competency determination
Summary
The Framingham School Committee voted 8–1 to approve Framingham High School’s 2025–26 Program of Studies and a locally defined competency determination that responds to Ballot Question 2 by allowing course-based equivalents in place of MCAS scores.
Framingham School Committee members voted 8–1 Wednesday to approve the Framingham High School Program of Studies for 2025–26 and a competency determination that replaces an MCAS-only graduation requirement.
The vote implements the changes authorized by a voter-approved change to state law (Ballot Question 2) and sets local criteria by which students will meet the competency determination required to graduate. "In order to graduate and earn a high school diploma from Framingham Public Schools, each student must accumulate a total of 22 credits and receive a competency determination," Teaching and Learning Subcommittee Chair Judy Steyer told the committee during her summary of the proposed changes.
Why it matters: Massachusetts voters removed the requirement that passing MCAS be the sole path to a competency determination. School districts must now specify local pathways. The committee’s action establishes the courses and equivalents FHS will use to determine whether a student has met state-required competencies in English, math and science.
What the committee approved: The Program of Studies updates course offerings and formats for 2025–26 — for example, senior English courses returning to mostly full-year formats, new electives in computer science (game design and web design), additions to early college offerings with MassBay and Framingham State, and world-language expansions that include Portuguese 1 and Heritage Portuguese courses. The competency determination approved by the committee allows students to meet graduation competency by either a passing MCAS score (for those who completed MCAS under the previous rules) or by successful completion of specified course equivalents. The document presented to the committee lists required ELA courses (English 1 and English 2 or equivalent), mathematics (Algebra 1 and Geometry or equivalent) and science (biology, chemistry, physics or equivalent).
Discussion and dissent: Several committee members asked about exemptions and how students with individualized education plans (IEPs) or 504 plans would be evaluated. Principal Mark Albright said individual situations can be reviewed by department chairs and school leadership and that the competency determination intentionally includes "equivalent" language to allow case-by-case reviews. Ms. Steyer and Mr. Albright said they would review whether clearer exemption language should be added to the printed document and report back; the vote moved forward without adding additional exemption language.
Vote details: The motion to approve the FHS Program of Studies and competency determination was moved by Valerie Adaviani and seconded by William LaBarge. Roll call recorded eight yes votes and one no vote (Judy Hermani). The committee recorded the motion as approved.
What’s next: School staff said course recommendation materials will be published to families and teachers on Monday so students can select courses for the coming year. Administrators also said they would follow up with the committee if they propose amendment language to clarify exemption or appeal procedures for students with special education needs.
Ending: The committee’s approval sets the district’s local pathway to align with the statewide change and enables counseling and course-planning to proceed for upcoming course selection cycles.
