Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Competency Determination topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Weymouth outlines competency determination that will replace MCAS as graduation requirement
Summary
District staff presented proposed competency determination criteria for 2026–27: passing final grades in English 9–10, algebra and geometry, and a lab science for 2026; adding a U.S. history credit for 2027; the policy includes case‑by‑case principal review and a written appeal process with up to 10 business days to submit documentation.
Principal Karen Monahan summarized proposed language to establish a Weymouth Public Schools competency determination (CD), the district mechanism that will replace MCAS as the explicit graduation gating measure under new DESE guidance.
Monahan told the committee that for the class of 2026 the CD would be met by a passing final grade in English 9 and 10, one credit each of algebra and geometry, and a passing final grade in a lab science (biology, physics or chemistry). "Receiving a passing final grade in English 9 and 10 ... receiving a passing final grade in either biology, physics, or chemistry," Monahan said while describing the 2026 standard. She noted that most students meet the science requirement in biology but the language allows equivalents for transfer students.
For 2027 the district would add a one‑credit U.S. history requirement to the CD. Monahan emphasized that Weymouth High School’s existing graduation requirements (22 credits and 40 hours of community service) remain in place and that the CD items are consistent with the district’s current course expectations.
Monahan also described administrative safeguards: principals retain authority to review individual students and determine reasonable course equivalents for the CD, and students denied the CD can appeal in writing. "Such appeals must be in writing and allow for up to 10 days, 10 business days in which to provide supporting documentations," she said.
Committee members asked about outreach and clarity for families that the CD is not an added credit requirement but a measure tied to existing courses; staff said materials and presentations will make that distinction clear and that school data will be shared in December.
