Dennis‑Yarmouth adopts policy on graduation competency determination; effective Jan. 14, 2025

The Dennis‑Yarmouth Regional School Committee voted on Jan. 13 to adopt policy IKF, "Graduation Requirements and Competency Determination," and set the policy to take effect Jan. 14, 2025. The committee waived the usual second reading because the policy responds to an immediate need identified for students in the Class of 2025.

Superintendent Mark Smith told the committee the policy was drafted after review of state guidance and webinars and consultations with the high school leadership team. He said the policy is intended to implement the changes required by Ballot Question 2, which removed the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) as the sole determiner of competency and directed districts to establish locally certified pathways based on the standards assessed by the 2023 MCAS.

Under the adopted policy, competency determination for the class cohorts addressed in the document will be based on district‑certified coursework that aligns to the 2023 MCAS frameworks. Smith said the policy maps competency pathways to coursework that mirrors the 10th‑grade assessments used in 2023: English 9 and 10 (for ELA standards), Algebra I and Geometry (or equivalent integrated/honors courses) for math, and a science course such as biology, chemistry or physics.

Smith emphasized the policy is intended to offer options for students who did not earn competency through MCAS before Dec. 1, 2024; options can include summer school, credit recovery or additional coursework aligned to the relevant curriculum frameworks. He said legal counsel reviewed the policy language before the committee vote.

Committee members asked how the policy would affect students who had taken retakes administered before Dec. 1 and how principals could apply flexibility for students transferring into the district. Smith said tests administered before Dec. 1 could be considered for competency if the administration date met the statutory timeline and that principals retain discretion to waive certain local graduation requirements, though the competency determination itself must meet the policy's standards.

Committee member Marilyn (last name not specified) proposed clarifying language and requested the effective date be explicit so families and students — particularly those with limited English proficiency — could be notified promptly. The committee set the effective date to Jan. 14, 2025 and instructed the superintendent to communicate the policy and the options to affected students and families in appropriate languages.

The committee adopted IKF by roll call; the transcript records committee members voting "aye" and the chair announcing that the policy passes and will take effect the following day, Jan. 14, 2025.