Due April 4! Competency Determination for High School Diploma – Draft Regulations

Public comment is open through April 4, 2025 on proposed changes to the regulations related to competency determinations (as part of high school diploma) requirements in Massachusetts.

Following the victory in 2024 on Question 2 to eliminate the MCAS test as part of requirements to be eligible for a high school diploma, the Department of Elementary and Secondary education is now required to make amendments to the regulations on the competency determination process under 603 CMR 30.00.

See the public comments submitted by the Massachusetts Teachers Association here.

The Competency Determination is simply a standard for a student’s competency in certain subject areas. Districts can and do have specific coursework, credits and attendance requirements as part of local graduation requirements. The Competency Determination is no longer tied to a single-point-in-time standardized test. Rather, districts will certify students have met competency in the same high standards based on completion of coursework that meets the same standards.

Proposed Changes and New Competency Determination Requirements

DESE staff have drafted a proposed set of new rule for all schools to follow. The February 25, 2025 Board of Elementary and Secondary Education presentation and discussion of the proposed changes are available to watch here.

A summary of the proposed changes include:

New definitions:
- Satisfactorily completing coursework shall mean a student earns full credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy.
- Showing mastery shall mean a student successfully completes in accordance with the district’s grading policy: (1) the final assessment for a course; or (2) a capstone or portfolio project; or (3) an equivalent measure identified in the district’s Competency Determination policy.
Require that students “satisfactorily complete”:
- English language arts – two years of coursework in high school English language arts
- Mathematics (i) coursework in Algebra I and Geometry courses; or (ii) coursework in Integrated Math I and Integrated Math II courses.
- Science (i) coursework in one year of Biology; or (ii) coursework in one year of Physics; or (iii) coursework in one year of Chemistry; or (iv) coursework in one year of a Technology or Engineering course.
- United States History – one year of coursework (beginning with class of 2027)
- Allow MCAS scores to count towards CD requirements if the district cannot verify coursework
Creates an Audit process for DESE to “audit the quality” of districts’ CD policies
Eliminates existing language related to MCAS score requirements, Educational Proficiency Plans and performance appeals

Public Comment on Draft Regulations

Copies of the proposed changes to the regulations are available in here English, Spanish and Portuguese and on the DESE’s 2025 Public Comment Submission Page.

The deadline for submitting your comment directly to DESE is April 4, 2025 at 5pm.

By mail: Regulations Public Comment, c/o Commissioner’s Office, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149

By e-mail: Competency.Determination@mass.gov

By DESE Public Comment Submission Form (see English questions here)
Complete form in English
Complete Form in Spanish
Complete form in Portuguese