Beverly School Committee adopts local competency determination ahead of DESE deadline
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Summary
The Beverly School Committee voted unanimously to adopt a locally developed competency-determination policy required by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, while members stressed public input and flexibility as state end-of-course assessments evolve.
The Beverly School Committee voted 7–0 on Dec. 10 to adopt a locally developed competency-determination policy that the district says provides multiple routes for students to demonstrate mastery as DESE moves away from the MCAS framework.
Superintendent Dr. Peter Cushing and Principal Thomas presented the policy as a district-specific plan built from DESE guidance. Dr. Cushing said administrators designed the policy to allow students “multiple opportunities to demonstrate competency” and that district leaders are prepared to amend the policy if statewide end-of-course assessments or related rules change.
"We have put a lot of effort into this," Thomas told the committee, describing built-in alternative pathways and finals aligned to course standards. He said the approach differs from the prior MCAS-based requirement by offering classroom-based and performance options as well as traditional assessments.
Committee members pressed for clarity on whether the vote accepted a state model or a Beverly plan. One member cited community concerns that removing MCAS might simply substitute one high-stakes requirement for another; Thomas and Cushing both responded that the local plan emphasizes flexibility and support and that DESE’s forthcoming end-of-course assessments have not yet finalized how they will be used.
Dr. Cushing warned the committee that DESE had set a Dec. 31 compliance date for local competency determinations and said districts that fail to adopt required policies risk state funding consequences. Several members said they welcome robust public comment, and Dr. Cushing and Thomas said they will share the proposal widely and incorporate feedback as appropriate.
The committee’s vote was the second reading of the item; the motion to adopt was made, seconded and approved by roll call (recorded as 7–0). The policy will be added to the district policy manual and published on the district and DESE websites as required.
Next steps listed by the administration included posting the adopted policy online, sharing guidance with families and staff, and monitoring DESE’s rollout of end-of-course assessments so the district can adjust benchmarks if necessary.