Competency Determination Policy

With the removal by voters of MCAS as a sole graduation requirement, high schools across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts must develop a Competency Determination policy that meets the approval of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The Competency Determination, or CD, requires students to demonstrate mastery through satisfactory completion of specific high school coursework in ELA, Math,and Science/Tech/Engineering aligned with MCAS standards. U.S. History is added beginning with the Class of 2027. Districts are required to create their own policies detailing how students show their mastery. Requirements must include two years of ELA, one year of Algebra1/Geometry (or integrated math), and one year of a science course. 

 

The Competency Determination allows students and families to track progress toward a high school diploma.