The Newton School Committee voted Nov. 3 to adopt policy IKFE on competency determination, setting a local framework for how the district will define and document student mastery for graduation while deferring procedural specifics to an accompanying manual developed with CPAC (Curriculum Parent Advisory Council).

Superintendent Nolan said the policy provides necessary direction for how the district will distinguish "partial mastery" from full mastery, address exceptions for nontraditional course trajectories, and make accommodations for students with individualized education plans. He warned the committee that the state's graduation‑requirements committee and DESE are still refining statewide expectations (including possible end‑of‑course assessments), and recommended the district finalize procedures quickly to avoid redundant work.

A committee member moved the policy (Paul) and Rajeev seconded; the motion passed with seven yes votes and one abstention. During discussion, members agreed the policy should be paired with a clear procedural manual and noted that local measures currently vary across courses and between the two high schools.

Why it matters: Competency determination affects which students qualify for a diploma and how teachers and administrators measure that mastery; the committee's action establishes local policy now while procedures are finalized with CPAC and in the context of yet‑to‑be‑published state rules.

Next steps: Administration will bring draft procedures to CPAC and return to the committee if members want review of completed procedures. The policy takes effect immediately for district use.