Competency Determination

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 US History will apply beginning with the graduating class of 2027. 

To show mastery, a student must successfully complete, in accordance with the district’s grading procedures or by  any other appropriate methodology as may be determined by the School Committee: 

1. The final assessment for a course; or  

2. A capstone or portfolio project; or 

3. An equivalent measure identified by the District 

A student enrolled in the Medfield Public Schools will be determined to have satisfactorily completed coursework and earned full credit in accordance with the District’s grading procedures and the requirements outlined below: 

* A passing grade is considered a D- or higher, or a P, and full credit is five credits. The final assessment will be  determined by the department and may be a final exam, capstone project/ portfolio or benchmark assessment. 

Students who do not meet these requirements by the end of grade 10 will be monitored and provided with the  resources to ensure that they will meet the Competency Determination in grades 11 and 12. 

They must pass classes in relevant subjects in grades 11 and 12, or make up coursework in grades 10 and 11 that  meets the standards of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.

Additional Considerations 

Students with Disabilities 

The Medfield Public Schools must both provide a Free and Appropriate Public Education to students with  disabilities and must also determine that the student has met the Competency Determination and local graduation  requirements prior to graduating that student. Students with disabilities who have been placed in out-of-district  placements must meet the requirements of the Competency Determination Policy of the placing school district.  Discussion of the Competency Determination must be a part of the IEP Team’s transition planning. 

Programs approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in accordance with  603 CMR 28.09 (the "approved" public and private day and residential programs) have aligned their school  curriculum with the state curriculum frameworks consistent with 603 CMR 28.09(9)(b) and are thus sufficient to  meet the district’s local requirements for graduation by providing the necessary instruction aligned with the  Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks to prepare the student for graduation. 

Medfield Public School students, educated in approved public or private out-of-district settings (day or  residential), will be provided equitable opportunities to meet the Competency Determination requirements. This  may include the acceptance of end-of-course assessments developed and implemented by the out-of-district  program, provided those assessments are based on the appropriate standards of the Massachusetts Curriculum  Frameworks and include the applicable accommodations and specialized supports as defined in the IEP. 

English Language Learners 

The Medfield Public Schools shall, on a case-by-case basis, determine the appropriate courses necessary for  English Language Learners to both achieve language proficiency and meet the Competency Determination requirements. 

Late-Enrolling Students 

Students who enroll in a Massachusetts public high school after their ninth-grade year may be granted a  determination of competency by the Medfield Public Schools in one or more of the following ways:  

∙ Transcript review by High School Administration 

∙ Additional course requirements as determined by High School Administration 

∙ A qualifying MCAS score of at least meeting or exceeding expectations achievement levels on the  relevant high school MCAS assessment; or by meeting the standard for a substituted equivalent that the  district certifies satisfies the same academic standards.  

Appeals Process 

Students who are unable to earn the Competency Determination described above can submit a portfolio to  demonstrate knowledge of at least 60% of the frameworks in the required discipline. This will be reviewed by the  high school principal or designee, the department chair, and a teacher for that discipline. If applicable, a  representative from the special education department may be part of the appeal process. Students who left school  before 2025 without meeting the Competency Determination will be able to demonstrate proficiency in the  standards of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks for science, mathematics, and ELA.