P3312

POLICY RELATING TO EDUCTION
COMPETENCY DETERMINATION

One of the requirements for graduation in Massachusetts is a determination of competency in subjects previously covered by the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (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 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 U.S. History will apply to the graduating class of 2027 and beyond.

A student enrolled in the Wachusett Regional School District 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: 

Aligned Courses and Demonstration of Mastery

The curriculum at Wachusett Regional High School is designed to foster independence, responsibility, and lifelong learning. Through a wide range of challenging academic programs and rich co-curricular opportunities, WRHS prepares students to reach their full potential. The school’s mission is guided by core values of citizenship and responsibility, collaboration, communication, critical thinking and problem solving, and creativity and innovation. In keeping with these values, WRHS emphasizes 21st-century learning expectations that encourage students to master course content while communicating effectively both in writing and speech, thinking critically and creatively, collaborating actively, and using technology effectively.

The Wachusett Regional High School curriculum is rigorous and demanding. Students are expected to demonstrate mastery through varied assessments in each course that are modeled after the state standards and curriculum frameworks. By meeting a minimum final grade of 60 and fulfilling all attendance requirements, the successful completion of a course in the subject areas below indicates that a student has mastered the necessary skills, competencies, and knowledge as outlined by the state.

Students can earn full credit through:

• Successful completion of the course, including meeting the minimum final course grade of 60 and all attendance requirements.
• As described in the WRHS Education Guide, students who do not pass a required course, but earn a grade of 50, can recover credit by successfully completing  an approved credit recovery course (eg. summer or online programming).  

Wachusett Regional School District offers the following courses in alignment with the state curriculum frameworks that meet the above requirements.  

ELA

Aligned Courses: English 9, English 10, English 9/10, and/or Advanced Grade Level Course

Demonstration of Mastery: Mastery in English Language Arts at WRHS is demonstrated through strong reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. Students engage thoughtfully with texts to understand, analyze, and draw inferences, integrating information from multiple sources to form and support well-reasoned conclusions. They write clearly and effectively for a variety of purposes, showing organization, a sense of audience and voice, and command of standard academic English conventions. Their writing incorporates relevant supporting details, and they are able to revise and refine their work. Students work independently on assignments and long-term projects, demonstrating self-motivation, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to communicate ideas thoughtfully and persuasively.  Students will achieve CD mastery requirements by earning a final grade of 60 or better in one of the above-named course(s).

Math

Aligned Courses: Algebra I and Geometry, Integrated Math I & II (or equivalent), or more advanced courses

Demonstration of Mastery: Mastery in mathematics at Wachusett Regional High School is demonstrated through a strong understanding of fundamental concepts and skills in algebra and geometry, as well as proficiency in statistics and probability. Students apply mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills to analyze situations, draw conclusions, and communicate their thinking clearly. They engage thoughtfully with mathematical concepts, make connections across topics, and use their knowledge to solve both routine and complex problems. Students are able to work independently and collaboratively, showing persistence, logical reasoning, and the ability to adapt strategies as needed. The program also provides opportunities to extend and deepen mathematical understanding through advanced coursework, preparing students for future studies, real-world applications, and success in standardized assessments.  Students will achieve CD mastery requirements by earning a final grade of 60 or better in one of the above-named course(s).

Science

Aligned Courses: Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Technology/Engineering or equivalent courses

Demonstration of Mastery: Mastery in science at Wachusett Regional High School is demonstrated through a solid understanding of both living and non-living systems and their interconnections, as well as the ability to apply scientific principles to analyze and explain natural phenomena. Students engage in the scientific process by forming hypotheses, designing and conducting experiments, collecting and interpreting data, and drawing logical conclusions. They develop critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and effective communication skills while applying science to both hypothetical and real-world situations. Laboratory work reinforces these skills, emphasizing safety, precision, and methodical investigation. Through a comprehensive curriculum, students build a strong foundation for success in future science courses and college-level study, while cultivating the scientific literacy and analytical skills necessary to navigate and contribute to a technology-driven society.  Students will achieve CD requirements by earning a final grade of 60 or better in one of the above-named course(s).

U.S. History  (beginning with the graduating class of 2027)

Aligned Courses: U.S. History I, U.S. History II, AP U.S. History, or equivalent course

Demonstration of Mastery: Mastery in United States History at Wachusett Regional High School is demonstrated through a thorough understanding of the major events, movements, and ideas that have shaped the nation from its founding to the present. Students engage critically with primary sources and scholarly texts to analyze, synthesize, and interpret historical evidence, drawing well-reasoned conclusions and supporting their positions with research and documentation. They develop skills in reading, writing, and research through essays, papers, and projects that require independent investigation, organization, and clear communication. Students explore the intellectual, political, social, and economic developments of the United States, including the formation of government, the causes and consequences of major conflicts, and the impact of progressive movements, wars, and contemporary issues. By completing these assignments and participating in varied learning activities—such as map-making, timelines, projects, and field experiences—students build historical literacy, critical thinking, and analytical skills, preparing them for advanced study and active engagement with the modern world.  Students will achieve CD requirements by earning a final grade of 60 or better in one of the above-named course(s).

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

Students with Disabilities

• The Wachusett Regional School District  ensures that students with disabilities have equal opportunities to meet District Competency Determination (CD) requirements, regardless of the nature of their disability. Students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and/or 504 Plans can earn a Competency Determination by demonstrating mastery of the required skills and knowledge, and by successfully completing coursework with the accommodations and/or modifications specified in their plans.  Students placed by the District  in out-of-district programs are provided equal opportunities to meet District Competency Determination (CD) requirements for graduation. This includes access to specialized supports, accommodations, modifications, or alternative methods for demonstrating mastery, as specified in their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Section 504 Plans. Discussion of courses meeting the Competency Determination requirements will be part of the transition planning process for students with IEPs. 
• The IEP Team will identify alternatives to Competency Determination requirements if the standard route is not feasible.
• Students with disabilities placed by the District  in out-of-district day or residential schools are not exempted from Competency Determination requirements of the District. 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.

This Competency Determination policy shall not be interpreted as to limit or expand upon a student's rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, M.G.L. c. 71B,  603 CMR 28.00, or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. 

English Language Learners

English learners receive Tier 1 SEL instruction based on their individually assessed WIDA level, including academic support periods, co-taught classes, course-specific resources, and SEI courses.

To ensure that all English Learner (EL) students receive appropriate academic and linguistic support, Wachusett Regional High School conducts intake meetings for each new student. These meetings help determine accurate placement based on language proficiency, prior educational experiences, and individual learning needs.

As part of our ongoing support model, the English Language Development (ELD) teacher may push into general education classes to provide in-class direct ESL instruction through grade level content. This approach allows EL students to access grade-level content while receiving targeted assistance that promotes both language acquisition and academic success.

This Competency Determination policy shall not be interpreted as to limit, or expand upon, a student's rights under M.G.L. c. 71A, 603 CMR 14.00 and/or 603 CMR 31.00.

Late-Enrolling Students

Through a rigorous review of transfer transcripts completed by school counselors upon enrollment, late-enrolling students’ Competency Determination will be evaluated. In this process, school counselors review previous coursework, sending school/district programs of studies, and determine if the Competency Determination has been met for the required or equivalent English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies courses with a passing grade (D- or higher, 60 or higher) and the earning of full credit, as determined by the sending school/district, in those areas. In collaboration with the department heads for English, Mathematics, Science,and History this process will evaluate whether the curriculum completed from the sending school/district meets the relevant Massachusetts state curriculum standards. In the limited circumstances where the student's prior coursework cannot  be documented, the student may be determined to have met the Competency Determination standard through attaining a qualifying score of at least “Meeting Expectations" or by meeting the standard for a substituted equivalent certified by the District as satisfying the same academic standards.  

If students have not met the Competency Determination upon the time of their enrollment, they will be offered coursework through Wachusett Regional Schools to meet the applicable requirements.  

Appeals Process

Current students and/or the student’s parent/guardian may appeal the determination of competency in accordance with the following procedures:

• Complete/submit a performance task for review (i.e. portfolio)
• Successfully pass an assessment of multi-disciplinary competencies, content, skills
• Panel Review (i.e. Competency Determination Review Board composed of School Counseling Director, Building Principal, Grade Level Administrator, Relevant Department Heads.

Former students who were  enrolled in the Wachusett Regional School District in the graduating classes of 2003 through 2024 and did not earn their  diploma due to an inability to meet the Competency Determination standard applicable to their graduating class may for review of their submit a request to the Principal of Wachusett Regional High School for review of their current eligibility for the issuance of a high school diploma.  All such such requests for determinations of current eligibility for the issuance of a high school diploma shall be evaluated through the Panel Review process, which shall consider the student’s transcript, historical grades, other supporting academic information and evidence

The Superintendent shall develop and implement administrative procedures for implementation of the CD appeal process. 

LEGAL REFS: DESE Graduation Requirements and Related Guidance

DESE Special  Education Policy Memo 25-26-2 -  Graduation and       Transition Planning for Students with IEPs

DESE Competency Determination Guidance and PolicySubmission Process (July 2025)
603 CMR 30.00

M.G.L. c. 69, § 1D

CROSS REFS:  IKF Graduation Requirements

SOURCE:  MASC - 2025

First Reading:  11/17/25
Second Reading: 12/08/25