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District outlines how state '306' competency changes will reshape graduation requirements and courses
Summary
Administrators described New Hampshire '306' competency‑based graduation changes that increase minimum credits from 22 to 25, add embedded competencies (logic and rhetoric, data analysis, financial literacy), and require a capstone for the class of 2030. Departments are revising curricula and flagged substantial summer and PD work to comply.
School leaders told the board on Dec. 17 that statewide changes to graduation requirements (often called the '306' changes) will require curricular and scheduling changes at Oyster River High School and will take several years to phase in.
Administrators said the new requirements apply beginning with the rising ninth grade (class of 2030) and shift toward competency‑based demonstration of learning rather than seat time. "It is competency‑based education. It is not seat time," Rebecca Noi said, adding that the district has increased its graduation minimum from 22 to 25 credits under the new standards.
The presentation listed new or clarified components: logic and rhetoric included in multiple English electives; a data‑analysis or statistics half‑credit embedded into science (for example, next‑gen biology will include a data‑analysis competency), and a required financial‑literacy course (often staffed through the business or math departments) to be taken by sophomores or above. Digital literacy can be earned via portfolio work such as in advisory; administrators said Celeste Best and the Vision‑of‑a‑Graduate committee are building rubric competencies for the portfolio approach.
Administrators said the capstone requirement will be phased in (required for the class of 2030), and that some credits will be embedded so that one course can earn multiple competencies/credits. Sean Kelly, who the presentation named as creating a new data‑analysis course, said the course will focus on student inquiry projects.
Board members and staff repeatedly raised timing and resource questions. Trustees noted the compressed timeline the state set and asked how transfer students would meet New Hampshire history and other state‑specific competencies; administrators said ELOs (extended learning opportunities) and specific course offerings would be available for transfer students.
Administrators warned of workload and budget impacts: the district plans summer curriculum work, professional development to build and standardize competencies, and potential material or staffing additions (for example, more sections of personal finance). One trustee noted the district may need to add materials and PD in next year’s budget to meet the requirements. Officials emphasized the district is actively coordinating with neighboring districts and CTE centers to align offerings.
Next steps: departments will continue curriculum work through the summer and the district will monitor class signups, staffing, and enrollment to adjust offerings to meet the new requirements.
