Superintendent outlines proposed competency-based graduation requirements and appeals process

The School Committee heard a detailed presentation of the district’s proposed competency-determination policy, which lays out multiple pathways for students to demonstrate mastery in core subjects and includes an appeals process for families.

Superintendent McKinsey told the committee the district had aligned local graduation policy (IKF) with the state-required competency-determination framework and offered three routes students could use to earn a competency determination: a cumulative course grade of at least 70 (including the final exam); a cumulative average of at least 65 plus a curriculum-embedded performance assessment (SEPA) with a SEPA score of at least 70; or a course passing grade of at least 60 plus a culminating capstone or portfolio project scored at 75 or higher. "We tried to make it accessible," McKinsey said, describing the three options.

The policy would require two years of high-school English and two years of math aligned to standards (algebra/geometry or integrated math options). Science competency would be met by a year of a lab science (biology, chemistry, physics or engineering). Beginning with the class of 2027, students would also need to meet a competency standard in U.S. history. The administration said existing courses (including AP and ESL courses that meet ELA standards) could satisfy the requirements if students achieve the stated thresholds.

The district also proposed provisions for students with disabilities, English learners and students who transfer or enroll late. An appeals process would allow parents to request a review in cases where a student has not met a competency determination; the committee was told appeals would consider a student’s overall record and offer individualized remedies, similar to prior Educational Proficiency Plans.

Superintendent McKinsey noted that the state may provide additional guidance and that the district expects to revise the plan if DESE issues more specific standards: "This may stay in place, and maybe it won't," she said, urging the committee to approve a thoughtful locally calibrated approach.

The committee discussed implementation mechanics, reporting and the timeline: DESE requires competency-determination submissions by Dec. 31. The committee did not take a final vote on the IKFE template at the meeting but moved the policy forward for additional review and a second reading.