Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Graduation Requirements topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Superintendent presents first reading of proposed Walpole High School competency determination after MCAS change
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Hahn presented a first reading of a proposed competency determination policy for Walpole High School following Massachusetts’ ballot change that removed MCAS as a mandatory graduation requirement. The proposed local certification would require passing coursework in specified subjects; DESE guidance remains incomplete.
Superintendent Dr. Matthew Hahn gave a first reading Feb. 27 of the proposed Walpole High School competency determination policy that the district would use now that passage of the MCAS is no longer a state graduation requirement.
Dr. Hahn told the committee that, under changes stemming from the November ballot question, students must still complete coursework that demonstrates mastery of Massachusetts’ curriculum frameworks. The proposed local competency determination would require students to earn a passing grade in Grade 10 English coursework, a passing grade in Algebra 1 and Geometry coursework, and a passing grade in biology and physics coursework. The superintendent said the high school asked the committee to consider adding chemistry or technology and engineering coursework; he planned to include chemistry and technology/engineering in a second reading based on committee feedback.
Dr. Hahn said participation in MCAS testing remains required by federal and state accountability rules and that MCAS scores will continue to be used for accountability and some scholarship eligibility, including the Seal of Biliteracy referenced earlier in the meeting. He said the responsibility to verify competency now rests with local districts and that Walpole had reviewed other districts’ drafts and attended DESE seminars while drafting its policy.
Committee members asked for clarification about timing and review. Ms. Nitsio asked whether the district is required to review the policy on a set schedule; Dr. Hahn said timing and a required approval date vary among districts and he would follow up. Miss Gallagher asked whether seniors this year remain under the prior graduation expectation; Dr. Hahn confirmed that existing graduation requirements apply to current seniors and that the change did not operate retroactively in a way that would disadvantage students. Committee members emphasized that the district should communicate clearly to families about MCAS participation and how the district will use assessments going forward.
Dr. Hahn said the policy would return for a second reading with any suggested modifications and that the district would continue to monitor state guidance as DESE issues further direction.
