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Swampscott School Committee approves competency-determination plan for Class of 2026
Summary
The committee unanimously approved a one-year competency-determination policy for the Class of 2026 that combines existing MCAS results, coursework and alternate demonstrations of mastery, and an appeal panel. The district must submit the plan to DESE and post it online by Dec. 31.
The Swampscott School Committee on Nov. 20 approved a district plan for competency determinations that applies only to the Class of 2026, the superintendent and presenting staff said.
The plan responds to a statewide change after the Nov. 2024 vote that removed MCAS as the default statewide competency measure. "Massachusetts law states that students need both a competency determination as well as graduation requirements," the presenter said, outlining three pathways: existing MCAS scores, a mixed pathway of MCAS and coursework, and district-certified coursework with specified demonstrations of mastery such as passing subsequent coursework, a final course grade, or an i-Ready assessment. "About 75 percent of our seniors at Swampscott High are all set with MCAS," the presenter added, and another roughly 19 percent would qualify through a mixed path.
The proposal includes an appeal process chaired by the principal and composed of counselors, department heads and administrators to consider unusual transcripts or transfers; unresolved appeals would be elevated to district leadership. Presenters emphasized special provisions for multilingual learners and students with disabilities, and noted that some students who previously did not graduate solely because of MCAS may be eligible to apply for a 2026 diploma if they meet the standards and contact the district.
Committee members pressed on logistics and timing. The presenter said the district must submit the approved plan to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and post it on the district website by Dec. 31. When asked whether the additional local responsibility would impose a substantial time burden, the presenter said curriculum mapping and common assessments will be required and that the work represents a significant shift of responsibility from the state to districts.
The committee voted to approve the competency-determination document as proposed. The chair asked for a motion to approve; a motion was made and seconded, and committee members responded in the affirmative. The motion passed unanimously.
What happens next: the district will submit the plan to DESE, post the procedures and appeal process publicly, and staff said they will return with a longer-term proposal for the class of 2027 that incorporates U.S. history and other forthcoming DESE guidance.
