Acton-Boxborough high school leaders presented a first reading of proposed changes to policy IKF (graduation requirements) and a local competency-determination pathway following the elimination of MCAS as the statewide competency measure.

The draft competency determination the high-school team proposed requires students to earn passing grades in ninth- and tenth-grade English (or equivalent), algebra I and geometry (or equivalents), and biology or physics (or an equivalent course). The proposal also preserves a district pathway allowing a subject-area portfolio demonstrating mastery of grade‑level standards as an alternative route.

Nut graf: The change is designed to keep diploma standards aligned with the courses that historically prepared students for the tenth-grade MCAS while providing an explicit local portfolio pathway for students whose prior records or circumstances require a different route to demonstrate mastery.

Administrators said the policy edit also cleans up graduation-credit language so distribution requirements align with the program of studies (for example, clarifying social-studies expectations). The administration noted that waivers of distribution requirements remain possible in specific, documented circumstances and that teams (department leader/assistant principal/principal) would make waiver decisions.

Committee members asked about particulars: whether the district was adding two years of U.S. history (the draft repeats the longstanding requirement that U.S. History 1 and 2 be taken), how the portfolio alternative would be developed and implemented for the class of 2025, and whether the proposed policy would likely change given ongoing state-level work. Administrators said department leaders are developing portfolio criteria and that they are prioritizing communication with the small number of current seniors for whom the change could affect graduation.

The superintendent noted the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the governor’s office are continuing to examine statewide approaches, and that public comment periods and further guidance could require future revisions. The committee signaled willingness to vote at the next meeting to meet local timelines but recognized the guidance could evolve.

Ending: The committee took the policy as a first read and planned a vote next week to ensure timely decisions for seniors, with the caveat that state-level action may prompt later revisions.