Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Graduation Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
School committee adopts updated high‑school competency determination policy after second reading
Summary
Following a second reading, the committee approved policy revisions reflecting state changes: students are no longer required to pass MCAS for graduation, but districts must certify completion of coursework that meets state standards (competency determination).
The Walpole School Committee voted unanimously, 6–0–0, on March 13 to adopt a revised high‑school competency determination policy reflecting state changes to MCAS graduation requirements.
The committee’s second reading followed state ballot question changes last November that removed the requirement to pass MCAS in order to receive a high‑school diploma while preserving the state’s competency determination requirement. The revised policy aligns district graduation rules with that state framework by focusing on completion of coursework that meets Massachusetts standards rather than a passing MCAS score.
At the meeting, the presentation explained that while MCAS remains a required assessment, the district’s competency determination will be based on completion of required coursework. The committee approved the revised policy on a motion by Sabrina, seconded by Ms. Cyrick; the motion passed 6–0–0.
Committee members had no further edits and approved the policy at the March 13 meeting.
