Methuen committee approves local competency standard for class of 2025 after extended debate

The Methuen School Committee voted on Jan. 13 to adopt a local competency determination for students who have not already earned MCAS‑based status, setting the immediate standard for the class of 2025 while staff continue planning for future classes.

What the committee approved By roll call the committee approved using a transcript‑review approach to demonstrate the competency determination for the graduating class of 2025 and for prior graduates who request a review. Under the approved approach, students who have not already earned the prior MCAS‑based competency would demonstrate proficiency by: - Passing Grade 10 English (or equivalent coursework), - Passing Algebra I and Geometry (or equivalent coursework), and - Passing a laboratory science (biology, chemistry or physics) or an equivalent science course.

DESE guidance and district responsibilities Committee members were explicit that the change reflects state guidance after the voter‑approved repeal of MCAS as the sole graduation gate. District staff and DESE advised that transcript review and coursework evidence are acceptable interim measures for 2025 while the state works on longer‑term rules. The district must also provide opportunities for students from prior years to request a transcript review; counseling staff and administrators will perform the reviews and notify families of outcomes.

Key points from the meeting - Vote: The motion passed in a recorded roll‑call vote: five yes, two no. The two votes against cited concerns about moving away from a standardized, external measure and asked for stronger safeguards for special‑education students and for robust grading standards. - Retests and scholarships: District staff said MCAS retest opportunities remain available this year and that retest results still matter for scholarship eligibility (for example the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship) and for biliteracy seals, though they cannot be the new, default CD for 2025 graduates. - Appeals and past classes: Students who did not previously earn a CD may request a transcript review; if their earlier coursework demonstrates the listed proficiencies, the district will award a diploma retroactively as a 2025 diploma.

Why it mattered at this meeting Committee members said they had to act quickly to give 2025 seniors and earlier non‑graduates a path to a diploma. Several members expressed concern about standards for special‑education students and about grading practices; staff said transcript review will consider course content and not just course titles and that individualized team processes for special‑education cases will continue.

Next steps The district will publicize the transcript‑review process and a Google form for requests from past students, assign counseling staff to perform reviews, and continue to consult DESE for additional guidance for subsequent graduating classes.