The Freetown‑Lakeville Regional School District presented a first reading of a draft competency‑determination policy on Jan. 13 after the state removed MCAS proficiency as the universal diploma requirement.

The draft, developed by district curriculum leaders and presented at the meeting, follows Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) guidance. It would allow students who have not earned competency through MCAS retests or appeals to meet the district’s competency determination by satisfactorily completing district‑certified coursework equivalent to 10th‑grade English, algebra and geometry (with algebra 1 in eighth grade to count where aligned), and one selected science course — biology, chemistry, introductory physics, or technology and engineering. The presenters said coursework that meets the competency determination will use common assessments so that course outcomes are comparable across sections.

The draft specifies a district passing grade (current passing grade cited in discussion is 65%) for the relevant courses; committee discussion noted some districts have set higher thresholds (for example, 70%). District staff also described the existing competency portfolio and DESE appeal processes as continuing alternatives for students who have not met proficiency through coursework or testing.

Why it matters: DESE’s change moves the responsibility for defining competency to districts. The committee heard that decisions will affect students slated to graduate under new rules and that district leaders will continue to monitor data and report adjustments if the board adopts additional requirements.

The committee did not adopt the policy at this meeting; staff said the language will be brought back for a formal vote at a future meeting.