File:  IKFE - COMPETENCY DETERMINATION

One of the requirements for graduation in Massachusetts is a determination of competency in subjects previously covered by the MCAS.  In addition to other requirements for graduation, students must have been determined by the district to have achieved mastery of the common core of skills, competency, and knowledge in said areas, and satisfactorily completed coursework that has been certified by the student's district as showing mastery of the skills, competencies, and knowledge contained in the state academic standards and curriculum frameworks.

Competency Determination Requirements

A determination of competency shall include:

Demonstrating a mastery of skills in English language arts, mathematics, and science; and the satisfactory completion of relevant coursework aligned to the standards measured by the high school English language arts, mathematics, and science MCAS assessments administered in 2023.

An additional requirement for mastery in US History will apply to the graduating class of 2027, and beyond.

To show mastery, a student must successfully complete, in accordance with the district's grading policy or by any other appropriate methodology as may be determined by the School Committee:

1.  The final assessment for a course; or

2.  A capstone or portfolio project; or

3.  An equivalent measure identified in the district's CD policy.

A student enrolled in the Westborough Public Schools will be determined to have satisfactorily completed coursework and earned full credit in accordance with the district's grading policy and the requirements outlined below:

 

Westborough High School Aligned Courses:

WPS offers the following courses in alignment with the state curriculum frameworks that meet the above requirements:

1. English 9
2. English 10
3. Algebra I or Algebra II
4. Geometry
5. Biology
6. US History (beginning with the graduating class of 2027) 

 

Successful completion of each course listed above, requires meeting a minimum final grade of 60 and all attendance requirements. The curriculum at Westborough High School challenges students to think critically, solve complex problems, make meaning of rich content, apply critical thinking skills, and to apply knowledge to relevant, real-world situations through cognitively demanding and grade-level aligned tasks. Westborough students will demonstrate mastery of the instructed curriculum and content skills by satisfactorily completing a final assessment, capstone, or portfolio project in each of the above listed academic courses.

Students who do not meet the required accomplishments may enroll in approved summer school courses, credit recovery programs and/or complete additional coursework and assessments to ensure they reach the necessary competency levels for the CD. Meeting these requirements, alongside earning sufficient course credits, is essential for graduation from Westborough High School. 

 

Students with Disabilities

The Westborough Public Schools must both provide a Free and Appropriate Public Education to students with disabilities and must also determine that the student has met the competency determination and local graduation requirements prior to graduating that student. Students with disabilities who have been placed in out-of-district placements must meet the requirements of the competency determination policy of the placing school district.  Discussion of the competency determination must be a part of the IEP Team's transition planning.

Westborough Public Schools ensures that all students with disabilities—including those placed in out-of-district day or residential programs—have equal opportunity to meet Massachusetts Competency Determination (CD) and local graduation requirements. 

For in-district students, the IEP Team annually reviews CD progress beginning no later than age 14, and these students receive:

1. Specialized instruction aligned to state standards
2. MCAS/MCAS-Alt participation with accommodations as needed
3. Assistive technology and individualized supports
4. Transition planning and services starting at age 14
5. Alternate ways to demonstrate competency, when appropriate per IEP. Parents, educators, and other professionals work closely together on an IEP team to ensure that the accommodations and/or modifications are aligned with the student’s individualized needs. The special education team also decides on any alternatives to Competency Determination requirements if the standard route is not feasible.
6. In some situations, if a student with a disability is unable to meet the Competency Determination through the traditional routes, the IEP team may decide on alternative requirements. This may include a review of their academic progress, other assessments, and their ability to demonstrate competencies through other means, such as project-based learning, portfolios, or community service-based learning assessments.

For out-of-district students, WPS:

1. Leads annual IEP reviews with the OOD provider
2. Confirms curriculum alignment to state standards
3. Monitors progress toward CD and local requirements
4. Retains sole authority to award the CD and diploma
5. Ensures MCAS/MCAS-Alt access and accommodations
6. Students attending out-of-district day or residential schools are not excluded from meeting the Competency Determination requirements. These students are held to the same standards but are provided with the necessary accommodations and modifications in the setting that best supports their learning.

IEPs document the projected graduation date and completion pathway. In rare cases, services may continue beyond meeting graduation requirements if Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) has not yet been provided. Westborough uses the IEP process to support timely, appropriate graduation decisions while ensuring compliance and equity for all learners.

For each course required in the completion of coursework and mastery of skills, the standards measured by the high school English language arts, mathematics, and science MCAS assessments administered in 2023 have been outlined along with US History. English learners’ student work is aligned with the standards and is assessed at their World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA) level. Opportunities are provided for multiple means of expression (learning). Westborough Public Schools has available a list of accommodations/strategies for teachers working with English learners.

 

Considerations for Late-Enrolling Students

Transfer students to Westborough Public School who enter after 9th grade will undergo a transcript review by the principal (or designee) to determine whether the coursework from the sending school(s) can be applied to the competency determination. If the review determines that the student has not met the competency determination, alternatives will be offered to provide an opportunity for the student to meet this requirement. Alternatives may include summer school, online coursework, mastery performance exams, or other alternatives deemed suitable by the Principal or designee. Such alternatives may require additional time outside the school day/year. The Principal’s decision is final and not subject to further appeal.

 

Role of MCAS in Limited Circumstances

In the limited circumstance when Westborough Public Schools are unable to document a student’s prior coursework (from either contact with the prior school or from information provided by the student and/or parents/guardians), we will allow for a student to earn the CD by:

1. Attainment of  a qualifying score of at least “Meeting Expectations” or “Exceeding Expectations” achievement levels on the relevant high school MCAS assessment; or
2. Student attainment of academic content and skills aligned to the Massachusetts academic standards, as articulated in the Curriculum Frameworks. 

 

Process for a student to appeal District’s decision to award or deny a CD

If a student is dissatisfied with the District's decision to award or deny a CD, the following appeals process shall apply:

1. Upon notification of the district decision to award or deny a CD, an appeal must be submitted in writing within 10 school days to the Westborough High School Principal;
2. The Westborough High School Principal then will respond in writing, within 10 school days after receiving the written CD appeal, and after a transcript review and/or other components and consultation with Central Office Administration, and in a language the student and parents/guardians can understand, the rationale for the decision;
3. The Principal may also request a meeting with the student and parents/guardians;
4. The Principal’s decision is final and not subject to further appeal.

 

Process for a current or former student to request a transcript review

Eligible students in the classes of 2003 through 2024 who did not earn a diploma as a result of failing to meet the state’s CD requirement have an opportunity to request a transcript review in order to determine their current eligibility for a diploma pursuant to the district’s CD requirements. 

 

An eligible student is one who:

1. Was previously enrolled in the district; and

2. Previously met the criteria for a Certificate of Attainment (i.e., student met local graduation requirements but did not receive a high school diploma because they did not earn a CD); and

3. Was not previously reported as a graduate in any district’s Student Information

Management System (SIMS) submission.

 

Any eligible student requesting a transcript review should, in writing, contact the Westborough High School Principal. High School Department Heads, along with the Principal shall determine if the transcript review meets the new CD requirements. Decisions will be communicated to the eligible student within 8 weeks of initial contact. The Principal’s decision is final and not subject to further appeal.

 

Any student who has not previously met the criteria for a Certificate of Attainment (indicating that they did not meet all local graduation requirements when they exited high school) must meet the district’s current CD requirements and local graduation requirements in order to earn a diploma. This requirement does not apply to students who have earned the competency determination prior to January 2025.

 

WHS Graduation Requirements

 

Under state law, all students seeking to earn a high school diploma must meet the CD requirements, as well as local graduation requirements, specifically 603 CMR 30.02: M.G.L. c. 69, § 1D. Local graduation requirements are also established by the district and may align with the CD policy but cannot take the place of the CD Policy. The Westborough High School Graduation requirements are outlined in detail by the WHS Student Handbook, and summarized as follows. Westborough High School students must pass a total of 24 credits, which include:

 

4.0 credits of English (Grades 9, 10, 11, 12)

3.0 credits of Mathematics

3.0 credits of Science (including 2.0 credits in laboratory courses)

3.0 credits of Social Studies (including 2.0 credits of U.S. History)

2.0 credits of World Language (Class of 2027 and beyond)

2.0 credits (4 semesters) of Physical Education

0.5 credits (1 semester) of Health

6.5 additional credits in any area

 

A measure used to determine the requirement for successful completion of a course has been met; a half year course is 0.5, and a full year course is 1. Zero credit is awarded if successful completion does not occur. 

 

LEGAL REFS: DESE Graduation Requirements and Related Guidance

DESE Graduation and Transition Planning for Students with IEPs

DESE Competency Determination Guidance and Policy Submission Process

603 CMR 30.00

M.G.L. c. 69, § 1D

CROSS REFS:  Student Handbook

IKF, Graduation Requirements

SOURCE:  MASC - 2025