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Sharon High to draft local competency determination after state’s ballot change to MCAS graduation rule
Summary
Following a statewide ballot change to MCAS graduation rules, Sharon High School administrators proposed a local competency determination that would require English 9 and 10 (or equivalent), algebra and geometry (or equivalent) and a high‑school science (biology/chemistry/physics). The School Committee is scheduled to vote on the competency
Sharon High School administrators told the School Committee Thursday they will present a proposed local competency determination in response to a change in state diploma rules that moves the competency decision from the state MCAS pass/fail threshold to local school districts.
Christine Keenan, high‑school administrator, explained that the November ballot question removed the statewide requirement that students pass specific MCAS tests to earn a diploma and directed districts to define competency locally. Keenan said the high school’s recommended competency determination is aligned with practices already used at comparable regional high schools: successful completion of English 9 and 10 (or equivalent), successful completion of algebra and geometry (or equivalent) and successful completion of a high‑school science course (biology, chemistry or physics).
Administrators told the committee they used peer district examples (King Philip, Norwood, Hopkinton, Franklin and Canton) to shape a proposal and that the school will include the term “or equivalent” to accommodate students who transfer from other states or alternative programs with different course titles but substantially similar standards.
Keenan said the committee will be asked to vote to approve a competency determination at its Feb. 26, 2025 meeting in line with Department of Elementary and Secondary Education guidance. The district’s program of studies and local graduation requirements will also inform the competency determination and the district will conduct outreach to students and families as scheduling for 2025–26 proceeds.
Committee members asked whether “equivalent” referred to course content or course title; administrators said the district intends the equivalent language to allow content‑equivalent courses to qualify for competency even if they use alternate titles (for example, a student returning from an out‑of‑state placement). Keenan said that district staff examined the senior class of 2025 transcript patterns and outplaced students to ensure proposed wording would not create undue barriers to graduation.
The Committee did not vote on a competency determination on Jan. 22; administration said a formal vote would be scheduled for Feb. 26 with supporting guidance and templates consistent with DESE direction.
