Everett School Committee approves local competency determination, opens path for some past students to receive diplomas

The Everett School Committee on Jan. 21 voted unanimously to adopt a district-level competency determination that replaces MCAS as the automatic measure of graduation eligibility for Everett Public Schools students. The 7-0 roll call followed a presentation from district leaders and brief committee discussion.

The approved policy requires students seeking a diploma to earn passing grades in three subject areas: a grade-10 English course, an algebra 1 or geometry sequence (equivalently Math 1 and Math 2 at Everett High School), and a science course such as biology or physics (or an equivalent course approved by the high school principal). The policy also includes a portfolio pathway for a small group of students with significant disabilities, to be determined by each student’s individualized education program team.

"The responsibility for a competency determination now rests with the district," said Dr. Margaret Adams, assistant superintendent for teaching, learning and student success, during the presentation. "Students will meet the competency determination by satisfactorily completing coursework that would have been measured by MCAS." Dr. Adams noted the change stems from the statewide referendum last November that removed MCAS as the graduation gate.

Superintendent Hart said the proposal was crafted after reviewing guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) webinars and looking at how other districts are implementing local competency determinations. "We believe this will allow the greatest number of students to receive diplomas while maintaining consistent academic expectations," Hart said.

The committee and district leaders emphasized that the policy applies to the class of 2025 and beyond and that it also creates a process for students who previously completed required coursework but did not receive a diploma because MCAS had been used as the competency determination. Those former students may request a transcript review; if the student’s record shows passing grades in the specified courses, the district will issue a diploma dated 2025, per DESE guidance described by district staff.

Committee members asked about consistency across course levels and whether honors or standard sections are held to the same expectations. Vice Principal Jim Murphy said the high school has worked to align curricula and common assessments so that the same standards and shared assessments measure student proficiency across course levels.

The presentation also clarified that DESE still requires districts to administer MCAS as an accountability test under federal rules; local competency determination replaces MCAS only as the graduation requirement. "Students will still sit for MCAS tests required by the state for accountability purposes, but MCAS will no longer be the determinant for graduation," Dr. Adams said.

The committee approved the policy by roll call vote, with all seven members present voting yes. The district plans to post the policy, translate materials for families, notify the class of 2025, and begin outreach to eligible former students who may now qualify for a diploma.

The committee did not make other changes to Everett Public Schools’ graduation credit requirements; students must satisfy both the district competency determination and the existing credit/graduation requirements to receive a diploma.