The Springfield School Committee on March 27 approved a district policy to certify competency for students in the Class of 2025 after the state removed MCAS as a graduation requirement.

The new policy implements the state’s change that took effect Dec. 5, 2024 and establishes coursework-based criteria districts must use to certify a student’s competency for graduation. "Effective 12/05/2024, MCAS is removed as a graduation requirement," Doctor Yolanda Johnson told the committee during a presentation of the policy.

Why it matters: the change affects students who had not earned a competency determination through MCAS and opens a path for some former students to apply for a 2025 diploma. Chief St. Lawrence told the committee there are "940 students in that category," meaning students who had not yet earned a competency determination and for whom the district must now certify mastery by coursework.

Key details: Doctor Johnson described the district’s approach: certifying passing grades in specific coursework aligned to state frameworks. Chief St. Lawrence told members the district will verify that each student has passing grades in the relevant courses — English (English 9 and English 10 or equivalents), mathematics (Algebra I or Algebra II and Geometry or equivalents) and one laboratory science (introductory physics, biology or chemistry or equivalent). The presentation said districts must certify that coursework demonstrates mastery of the same skills MCAS measured.

Former students: St. Lawrence said former students who graduated between February 2003 and February 2024 but did not meet MCAS requirements may apply under a defined procedure; applicants would receive a 2025-dated diploma if they meet the district’s competency requirements. Doctor Johnson said the district plans two application windows, one midyear and one by the end of the school year, to allow timely reporting for June and August/October reporting cycles.

Next steps and constraints: staff said they will finalize a list of qualifying courses, establish a communications plan to reach eligible former students, and monitor forthcoming guidance from the state’s Governor’s K–12 graduation council expected in December 2025 that could affect local practice. Doctor Johnson and St. Lawrence described the work as time sensitive because students graduating in June 2025 need clear instructions and the district has a compressed window to certify coursework and close gaps.

Committee action and vote: The motion to adopt the competency-determination policy was made by Mister Gonzales and was carried by roll-call vote; Attorney Murphy was absent and the members present voted in favor. The committee recorded the measure as approved.

What the vote does not do: The policy sets the district’s procedure to certify students for a diploma under the new state standard; it does not automatically reissue certificates for all former students — former students must apply through the process the district will publish.

Looking ahead: staff said they will post the presentation materials online, deploy an outreach strategy to former students, and align the district’s Pupil Progression Plan and future revisions with state guidance as it becomes available.