Woburn committee approves new competency-determination policy to meet DESE guidance
Summary
The Woburn School Committee approved an updated competency-determination policy that replaces MCAS as the CD measure, specifies coursework and multiple mastery pathways, adds a U.S. history requirement starting with the class of 2027, and establishes an appeals process; the document will be submitted to DESE.
The Woburn School Committee on Wednesday approved a revised competency-determination policy for Woburn Memorial High School to reflect updated guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
District staff said the policy is intended to replace MCAS as the primary measure of competency determination and to provide clearer, locally administered pathways for students to demonstrate mastery. "Students must earn full credit in a set of required courses and demonstrate mastery through a final course assessment, a capstone or portfolio, or an equivalent measure as determined by the principal or designee," said Miss Boes, the assistant director and grant manager who led drafting work.
The document spells out requirements by subject area. For English language arts, for example, students must earn full credit in English 9 and English 10 (or equivalent). In math, full credit requires a passing grade of 60% or higher in a year of Algebra I and a year of Geometry (or equivalent). Beginning with the class of 2027, the policy adds a U.S. history competency-determination requirement that can be met by a year of U.S. history or an approved equivalent course.
Staff described several special provisions: accommodations and alternate pathways for students with disabilities, specified equivalencies for English learners enrolled in English language development courses, and a competency-determination review committee to evaluate late-enrolling students. The policy also establishes an appeals process and a separate track by which former students (classes of 2003–2024) who previously failed to meet the exam-based requirement can request a diploma review.
"We pulled together a diverse group of staff across content areas and grade levels and consulted other districts so we wouldn't reinvent the wheel," Miss Young said during the presentation, describing summer and fall work drafting the submission to DESE.
Committee members asked clarifying questions about grading and reporting timelines. One member moved to suspend the rules and then moved to approve the amended policy with two specific edits discussed in the meeting (adding grade 9 to a first bullet and clarifying U.S. history equivalency for the class of 2027). Both motions carried on voice votes. The final competency-determination policy document will be posted publicly in multiple languages and submitted to DESE as the district's formal guidance.
The policy change does not alter local credit requirements for graduation; district staff said local graduation-credit rules continue to apply alongside the competency-determination framework. The committee adjourned the discussion after approving the policy and returning to other agenda items.
