Marblehead — School leaders and committee members discussed how to adapt Marblehead High School’s competency determination and graduation requirements after changes to MCAS retest rules made retesting a less certain path for some students.

A district staff member presenting a draft document told the committee, "the MCAS is not utilized for competency determination, and then the school committees vote on that," and laid out a set of options staff recommended for students who do not meet MCAS benchmarks. The draft described an alternative pathway that would permit students to satisfy competency determination by earning passing grades and credits in specified courses (for example, English 9 and 10; Algebra 1 and Geometry; Biology plus an additional lab science) aligned to the state’s 2023 MCAS expectations.

Staff also described a portfolio option for a very small number of students who may need individualized review and confirmed that the MCAS Alt (the alternate assessment for students with significant cognitive disabilities) remains available when a student’s team determines it appropriate.

Committee members asked clarifying questions on timing, transfer students, how districts set the passing grade threshold, and whether the committee should set a longer‑term, stronger competency standard for future classes. Staff said the proposal on the table is intended as an operational interim approach for this school year and acknowledged the committee could revisit standards and timelines for subsequent years. Guidance counselors and building administrators will review transcripts and work with families and students to ensure transfer students have a path to graduation.

Committee members said they wanted a formal evaluation instrument and community input before any final decision and asked staff to return with language suitable for committee review and a vote. The committee agreed to schedule a workshop to finalize the evaluation process for the superintendent; staff said the competency and graduation conversation would continue and that a vote on a final competency determination could appear at a future meeting once the committee has the proposed language and community feedback.