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Hopkinton reviews proposed local competency determination after ballot change removing MCAS as graduation requirement
Summary
District leaders presented proposed local language to satisfy the state-required competency determination after voters removed MCAS as the graduation trigger.
District and high school leaders presented proposed language for the local competency determination required by state law after voters removed the MCAS test as the statewide graduation requirement. The presentation and discussion took place at the Jan. 16 school committee meeting.
The presenter identified key components of the proposed competency determination: students must (1) complete 9th- and 10th-grade English with a passing grade, (2) complete 9th- and 10th-grade math with a passing grade (including geometry or algebra I/II as appropriate), and (3) complete one of the core science courses (typically biology, chemistry, or physics) with a passing grade. The presenter said the proposal aligns with Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) guidance encouraging districts to emphasize coursework aligned with state standards.
The presenter described supports for students who do not meet the requirement after grade 10: monitoring and targeted supports in grades 11 and 12, with options to pass relevant upper-level courses (for example, 11th- or 12th-grade English or algebra 2), or to retake needed freshman/sophomore coursework or use summer school. The presenter said the district had reviewed records for students who left school before 2025 and found no students in recent cohorts who lacked a competency determination; international students arriving midyear had been scheduled for retests in November as a precaution prior to the ballot outcome.
Committee members asked whether the community had adequate notice; several members said the memo had been distributed to the community the same day. Because of that timing, members agreed to bring the proposed language back for formal action at the next meeting to allow parents and community members time to review and ask questions.
Ending: The committee directed staff to return next week with the proposed handbook language for formal vote and to provide opportunity for community input prior to approval.
