Methuen School Committee approves amended competency‑determination policy after public concerns over EL placement

Methuen — The Methuen School Committee voted Nov. 24 to adopt a revised competency‑determination (CD) policy intended to replace the MCAS-based requirement for upcoming graduating classes, following public comment and extended discussion about safeguards for English learners and how portfolio reviews will be used for students in sub‑separate programs.

During public participation, resident Nellie Soto said ‘‘this morning, every member of the city council received an email from the vice chair of this committee alleging that the city solicitor has caused delays in curriculum materials, digital textbook access, supplemental reading materials, and the school solar contract’’ and asked whether that message represented the committee’s position. Another commenter, Alejandra Baez, warned that permitting ELD 1–2 courses to count toward the English language arts graduation requirement risked incentivizing misclassification of bilingual students "simply because they had a Spanish last name." She said, "The competency determination cannot become a shortcut. It cannot become a loophole." (Speakers listed in the meeting transcript.)

Administrators said the district followed DESE guidance on CD design and described multiple elements the district proposes: a course‑completion component, a mastery component (including final‑exam thresholds, portfolios and department‑chair review for some special‑education courses), and appeals procedures. The administration told the committee that DESE has not finalized a statewide CD and districts must submit local language by Dec. 31, explaining the compressed timeline for adopting a local policy.

Board members pressed for clearer placement of the double‑asterisk note that describes portfolio review requirements for STRIDES (the district’s sub‑separate program). Member Ouellette moved to amend the draft by moving that course‑completion asterisk into the mastery section so that portfolio review becomes part of mastery rather than only a completion note; the motion was seconded by Member Donovan and passed unanimously. The committee then approved the competency‑determination policy as amended; the roll call recorded five yes votes and one no vote. The motion to adopt the amended policy was moved by Member Shabelia and seconded by Member Ouellette.

The adopted CD language retains multiple routes to demonstrate mastery (final exam score thresholds, course completion, and a portfolio rubric for designated classes) and includes an appeals chain for families to contest portfolio ratings or technical grading issues. Administrators said the district will monitor students already in high school, provide recovery and credit‑completion options, and report ACCESS/WIDA results and other benchmarking to the committee in the spring.

Next steps: the committee approved the local CD policy to be in place for the class of 2026; officials said they will continue to align the policy to any forthcoming DESE regulations and report ACCESS and benchmark results to the committee next spring.

Votes and motions recorded at the meeting are reflected in the meeting minutes and roll‑call transcript.