Committee adopts competency-determination policy after discussion of MCAS repeal implications
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Summary
After the state vote removing MCAS as a graduation requirement, the committee approved a competency-determination policy that relies on coursework and state-created end-of-year assessments for the Class of 2026, with safety nets including interventions and portfolio appeals.
The Greater Lowell Regional Vocational Technical School Committee voted to adopt a competency-determination (CD) policy developed in response to the November 2024 statewide repeal of MCAS as a graduation requirement.
Assistant Superintendent Bartlett presented the policy, which combines two elements: successful completion of required coursework and successful end-of-year assessments created and scored by the state. "For the class of 2026, they will have to complete English language arts, mathematics and science, technology and engineering requirements," Bartlett said, describing required courses and the role of state-produced assessments. He emphasized that the district built in "safety nets" such as credit recovery, tutoring and summer programming and that the diploma would not be withheld from students who could instead pursue appeals and portfolio reviews.
Mr. Maiette and other administrators detailed implementation plans: juniors will take midterm competency assessments in the two weeks after winter break so teachers and staff can identify weaknesses and provide targeted remediation before end-of-year assessments. For history — slated for the Class of 2027 — the administration described placing students who had missed or not passed previous history coursework into appropriate classes now and tracking progress.
Committee members asked about timing for algebra and geometry instruction, supports for incoming students who lack algebra readiness, and how vocational schedules interact with history requirements. Administrators said algebra is being offered broadly to ninth graders, inclusion supports and tutoring are available, and fewer than ten students remained who needed to retake history assessments at the time of the meeting.
The committee voted to adopt the policy; administration said the finalized policy would be posted to the district website and additional guidance from the state on assessment design and scoring is expected.
