Competency Determination Policy (IKFE)

File: IKFE

COMPETENCY DETERMINATION

One of the requirements for graduation in Massachusetts is a determination of competency in subjects previously covered by the MCAS.  In addition to other requirements for graduation, students must have been determined by the district to have achieved mastery of the common core of skills, competencies, and knowledge in said areas, and satisfactorily completed coursework that has been certified by the student's district as showing mastery of the skills, competencies, and knowledge contained in the state academic standards and curriculum frameworks.

Competency Determination (CD) 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 (per 603 CMR 30.00).  

An additional requirement for mastery in US History will apply to the graduating class of 2027 and beyond (per 603 CMR 30.00).

To show mastery, a student must complete, in accordance with the district’s grading policy: 

  1. The final assessment for a course, or 
  2. A capstone or portfolio project

A student enrolled in the Mount Greylock Regional School District will be determined to have satisfactorily completed coursework and earned full credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy and the requirements outlined below: 

Content Area

Coursework Requirements

MGRS Aligned Courses are the following courses aligned with the state curriculum frameworks and meet the coursework requirements

Notes

English Language Arts

The equivalent of two years of high school English language arts courses.
  • Elements 9
  • English 9
  • Honors English 9
  • English 10
  • Honors English 10
  • ESL 1 and 2

To satisfy this course requirement, students must take English Language Arts courses in grades 9-12.  

U.S. History 

(Beginning with the graduating class of 2027)

The equivalent of a one-year United States history course.
  • America in the World
  • AP US History

To satisfy this course requirement, the U.S. History course must be taken in grades 9 through 12. 

Science

The equivalent of one year of any one of the following disciplines: Biology, Physics, Chemistry, or Technology/Engineering.
  • Biology
  • Honors Biology
  • Physics
  • Honors Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Honors Chemistry
  • Tech/Engineering

To satisfy this course requirement, the Science course must be taken in grades 9-12.   

Mathematics

The equivalent of one year of both Algebra I and Geometry courses, or the equivalent of one year of both Integrated Math I and Integrated Math II. 
  • Algebra 8 
  • Algebra I
  • Geometry
  • Honors Geometry

 

Middle school math courses may be certified by the district as meeting the coursework requirement for the mathematics component of the CD. 

 

Additional Considerations

Students with Disabilities

The Mount Greylock Regional School District must both provide a Free and Appropriate Public Education to students with disabilities and determine that the student has met the competency and local graduation requirements before allowing the student to graduate. Students with disabilities who have been placed in out-of-district placements must meet the requirements of the competency determination policy of the school district in which they are placed.

Discussion of competency determination and associated course selection should be part of the IEP Team’s transition planning. Inclusive level courses do not meet the required coursework requirements for a Competency Determination. To earn a Competency Determination, students in inclusive courses must eventually complete qualifying coursework, although not necessarily on the same timeline as the traditional sequence.

English Language Learners

The Mount Greylock Regional School District 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 Mount Greylock Regional School District in one or more of the following ways:  

  • Transcript review and approval by the Principal.
  • Additional course requirements as determined and approved by the Principal.
  • 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

Any current student or student enrolled in the classes of 2003 through 2024 at Mount Greylock Regional School may appeal the district's decision to award or deny Competency Determination. Appeals must be made in writing to the Superintendent. The Superintendent will decide the appeal within thirty (30) calendar days after receiving the written appeal. The Superintendent's decision shall be the final determination of the school district concerning competency.
 

LEGAL REFS: DESE Graduation and Transition  Planning for Students with IEPs

DESE Competency Determination Guidance and Policy Submission Process

603 CMR 30.00

M.G.L. c. 69, § 1D

 

CROSS REFS:  Student Handbook

IKF Graduation Requirements

 

SOURCE:  MASC - 2025

APPROVED: November 6, 2025