The Worcester Public Schools Admissions & Equity Subcommittee on Feb. 13 reviewed and approved a district proposal for a course-based competency determination (CD) that will substitute for the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) as a prerequisite for graduation.

Under the approved approach, the district will use successful course completion aligned to the 2023 MCAS standards as the competency determination for students: algebra I, algebra II or geometry (or equivalent), physics and chemistry, and English I and English II were listed in the district backup as the courses that best align to the 2023 MCAS standards.

Why it matters: In November 2024, statewide Question 2 removed MCAS as a mandatory requirement for a high-school diploma in Massachusetts. Responsibility shifted to districts to identify competency determinations that show students met the learning standards; Worcester proposed a course-and-grade approach to certify students.

District presentation and supports

Assistant Superintendent Marie Morris and staff said the district compiled course lists that align to the 2023 MCAS standards, reviewed options with curriculum specialists and set a passing threshold (a score of 65 or above) for the relevant courses. The district said guidance counselors are using progress "tick sheets" to track current seniors and that support plans (credit recovery, targeted courses) are underway.

Student impacts and outreach

The district reported 63 students in the Class of 2025 who remain at-risk of not meeting the competency determination without intervention; staff described that group as "in a jam" but said teams of educators and counselors are working with families to provide credit recovery and other pathways so students can meet graduation requirements.

Special-education note

Staff explained that some students in specialized programs who previously received certificates of attainment rather than a diploma may not be eligible for a diploma under the CD if they did not take courses aligned to the specified standards; many special-education students in inclusion settings will remain on a diploma track.

Committee action

The subcommittee voted to approve and file the district's competency-determination proposal. The roll-call vote recorded four "yes" votes: Vice Chair Alvarez; Member Venenda; Member Mailman; and Chair Alex Guardiola. The motion passed.

Outreach for prior cohorts

District staff said they are compiling records from multiple databases to identify people who completed coursework but lacked a diploma because of past MCAS requirements. The district will mail notices to last-known addresses and post information on its website so eligible people can contact the district to have transcripts reviewed for potential issuance of a Worcester Public Schools diploma.

Ending

Officials said they will continue outreach and return to the committee with numbers and further updates as logistics and state guidance evolve.