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School committee gives first reading to local competency determination tied to MCAS changes
Summary
The Danvers School Committee on Oct. 6 approved a first reading of policy IKFE establishing a local competency determination after statewide changes to MCAS graduation requirements. The policy specifies courses and multiple demonstration options, and includes appeal provisions and accommodations for students with disabilities and English learners.
The Danvers School Committee voted on Oct. 6 to approve a first reading of policy IKFE, the district’s local competency determination policy that responds to changes voters made to MCAS graduation requirements.
Under the proposed policy, students must demonstrate competency in the same core academic areas previously covered by MCAS through multiple pathways. The policy lists course and assessment requirements the district will use to determine competency: - English: successful completion of two years of high‑school English (ELA 9 and ELA 10) with satisfactory final assessments, capstones or portfolios. - Mathematics: completion of the first two years of high‑school math (algebra and geometry) as the district defines them. - Science: biology (including the biology MCAS for state accountability) plus at least one additional lab‑based science course. - Starting with the class of 2027, students will also be required to take one year of U.S. history.
The policy provides multiple means for students to demonstrate mastery — course final assessments, capstone projects or portfolios — and includes a transcript‑review and appeals process for late entrants and for graduates from prior years seeking a Danvers diploma. The draft also includes specific language to ensure students with disabilities and English learners have equitable access and appropriately adjusted measures aligned with their IEPs, 504 plans, or WIDA levels.
Superintendent Adam Bauer said the district updated the policy to reflect DESE guidance and to ensure students who attend out‑of‑district programs still have a pathway to graduate with their Danvers cohort. The committee approved the policy on first reading and scheduled a second reading in November ahead of statewide posting deadlines.
Why it matters: the policy creates a local, course‑based approach to determining graduation competency after Massachusetts voters removed MCAS as the sole graduation determinant. It affects current students and creates a limited pathway for past cohorts to seek a Danvers diploma.
A vote on second reading will be required to finalize the policy.
