Middleborough School Committee approves competency plan for Class of 2025 after voters remove MCAS as graduation requirement

The Middleborough School Committee voted unanimously on Jan. 23 to approve a competency‑determination plan for the Class of 2025 after the November ballot question removed the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) as a graduation requirement.

District leaders told the committee the approved approach relies on ‘‘satisfactorily completing coursework that has been certified by the district as showing mastery of skills, competencies and knowledge contained in the State academic standards,’’ and specifically cited English 2, Algebra I, geometry and biology as the parallel benchmarks for the current senior cohort. Principal Paul Branagan presented the plan and said it applies only to the class that had already sat the high‑stakes MCAS tests in spring 2023.

The plan’s nut graf: with statewide guidance still evolving, the district will certify competency for the class that would have relied on MCAS by documenting successful completion of those specified courses and by confirming students meet the district’s credit and attendance requirements. Branagan told the committee the move is designed to make clear to seniors and families what is needed before June so schedule adjustments can be made this semester.

Key details administrators presented include the district’s existing credit thresholds (136 credits required to graduate from Middleborough High School, with at least 30 credits earned in grade 12 for seniors) and the course‑based equivalents used to satisfy competency in English, math and science. The committee also heard that the MCAS exams will continue to be administered for assessment and accountability purposes; recent DESE guidance allows some retesting windows for students who want to preserve scholarship eligibility.

Committee members and administrators emphasized support for families navigating the change. Superintendent Mrs Lions said the district will share guidance and counseling resources and encouraged parents to contact principals and curriculum staff with questions. Principal Branagan said ongoing workgroups that included curriculum, student services and special education staff had gathered examples from other districts and would continue to refine procedures as statewide guidance is updated.

The committee approved the plan by voice vote; the meeting record indicates the motion passed unanimously.