Lynn subcommittee moves amendment to graduation requirements after state guidance prompts reconsideration of science mandate
November 10, 2025 | Lynn Public Schools, School Boards, Massachusetts
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Attorney Charlie Gallo reviewed the district process and said the October 9 version of IKF included an additional rigor requirement that two of three lab‑science years be biology and chemistry. He said that, "as it now stands, there are non IEP students who don't take chemistry," and that the requirement could therefore be a barrier to graduation for some general‑education students.
Gallo reviewed the MassCore framework (three units of lab‑based science) and DESE competency determination guidance, which he said requires one year of biology, physics, chemistry or technology/engineering for competency determination purposes. He proposed a narrower amendment that would require at least one year in biology, physics, chemistry or technology/engineering, and would allow computer science that aligns to digital literacy standards to count where appropriate.
Member Castellanos moved the amendment to replace the three bullet points that set equivalent of three years of lab science with two new bullets aligned to DESE/MassCore language; the motion was seconded and passed on roll call by the members present. Gallo said he will monitor forthcoming BESE and DESE guidance (he expected a final state recommendation in June) and will circulate preliminary state recommendations to the committee.
Next steps: the amendment will be forwarded to the full committee for consideration and staff said they will track state regulatory developments affecting graduation pathways.
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