Quincy schools propose coursework route for graduation competency after MCAS change

Quincy Public Schools administrators presented a proposed amendment to the district's graduation policy at the Jan. 22 school committee meeting that would replace the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) as the automatic route to the high‑school competency determination with specified district‑certified coursework.

The recommendation, presented by Dr. Perkins and Mr. Marani, would let students earn the competency determination by satisfactorily completing coursework certified by the district as aligned to the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks in the areas formerly measured by MCAS (English language arts, mathematics and science). Dr. Perkins asked the committee to move the draft to the Policy Subcommittee on Feb. 5 and to vote on it at the full committee meeting on Feb. 12, with a separate request to waive the usual wait period so the change could take effect immediately if approved.

Why it matters: The state ballot change that removed MCAS as an automatic competency determinant took effect Dec. 5, 2024. Quincy administrators say the new policy will determine which currently enrolled students and some past students become eligible for a diploma, and set the district's implementation and appeal processes. The change affects students in the classes of 2025 and 2026 most immediately and establishes the district's approach for all future classes.

What staff proposed and how it differs from the old system Staff said the competency…