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Franklin School Committee approves local graduation and competency policies, shifting competency decisions from MCAS to district standards
Summary
The Franklin School Committee approved new IKF and IKFE policies to define local graduation requirements and competency determinations after the state removed MCAS as the automatic competency measure; the district will use coursework and mastery demonstrations (a 60% minimum proficiency was cited) and will upload the policy to the Department of Education for review.
The Franklin School Committee on a voice vote approved two policies that set local graduation requirements and a district-based competency-determination process after state changes that removed MCAS as the automatic path to a diploma.
Dr. Rogers, speaking for the Office of Teaching and Learning, told the committee the policies (IKF — graduation requirements; IKFE — competency determination) point to local program documents and the Franklin High School program of studies for credit requirements and explain how the district will determine mastery. "MCAS is still a requirement," Dr. Rogers said, "but as it relates to MCAS being the competency determination, that's what was removed." He added that, going forward, the district will rely on two measures: satisfactory completion of relevant coursework and demonstration of mastery through district‑certified work (for example, final exams or portfolios).
The presentation flagged a proposed minimum score for "proficiency" in identified coursework. "To earn proficiency there, a student must earn a minimum of a 60% in the identified coursework," Dr. Rogers said, language that committee members said provides clarity on what constitutes mastery.
Committee members asked how the district would handle incoming students with out‑of‑state transcripts and other edge cases. Dr. Rogers said the district will perform internal transcript reviews and audits to determine appropriate placement and whether previously completed coursework satisfies Franklin requirements. He also noted that some elements of appeals and oversight previously handled by the state will now be routed through the district, with the district uploading its policy to the Department of Education for review and possible feedback.
The committee discussed timing for specific curriculum areas. Dr. Rogers confirmed that a US history competency requirement will apply starting with the class of 2027. During discussion a committee member asked how much state funding had been provided to support the administrative changes; a fellow committee member answered, "0," indicating the district has not received specific state dollars for implementing the new competency responsibilities.
The committee approved the policies by voice vote after discussion. The policies will be posted to the district policy manual and uploaded to the Department of Education for review; the district also said it will present MCAS accountability and related data in a January presentation to the committee.
Votes at a glance: the motion to adopt the IKF/IKFE language carried by voice vote (motion introduced and discussed during the meeting, then approved). No roll-call tallies were recorded in the meeting minutes.
