Competency Determination

Keefe Regional Technical School 

Competency Determination (CD) Policy for the Class of 2026 and Beyond

1. Competency Determination (CD) Requirement Under State Law

State law requires that students meet the Competency Determination (CD) standards to earn a high school diploma, as defined in G.L. c. 69, §1D(i). In December 2024, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education updated the CD requirements.

[Exact statutory language retained: “The competency determination shall be based on the academic standards and curriculum frameworks for tenth graders in the areas of mathematics, science and technology, history and social science, foreign languages, and English, and shall represent a determination that a particular student has demonstrated mastery of a common core of skills, competencies and knowledge in these areas, by satisfactorily completing 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 in the areas measured by the MCAS high school tests described in section I, administered in 2023, and in any additional areas determined by the board.”]

2. Minimum Requirements for Competency Determination (CD)

Graduation from Keefe Technical High School requires meeting both the local diploma criteria and the state’s CD expectations. These standards provide the foundation for success in higher-level coursework, postsecondary programs, and future employment.

Key Definitions

• Satisfactorily Completing Coursework: Students are required to earn full credit for each required course. Successful completion shall be determined in accordance with district grading practices, including the established passing threshold of 60 percent or higher.
• Demonstrating Mastery: Students are required to complete the designated culminating assessment, capstone project, or portfolio for each course. Acceptable demonstrations of learning may include written examinations, major projects, or other district-approved measures. Successful completion shall be determined in accordance with district grading practices, including the established passing threshold of 60 percent or higher.

3. Required Courses for the Class of 2026 and Beyond

To satisfy the CD at Keefe Technical High School, students must complete and demonstrate mastery in the following district-certified courses:

Content Area	Coursework Requirements	*Notes / Exceptions
English Language Arts / ESL	The equivalent of two years of high school English language arts courses.	Students must complete these courses in grades 9 through 12. *See attached for an expanded view of course offerings.
Mathematics	The equivalent of one year of both Algebra I and Geometry, or one year of both Integrated Math I and Integrated Math II. Students who took Algebra I in middle school must complete Algebra II and Geometry or an equivalent district-certified sequence.	Middle school math courses may be certified by the district as meeting the Algebra I requirement if they align with the high school standards in the 2017 Massachusetts Mathematics Curriculum Framework. *See attached for an expanded view of course offerings.
Science	The equivalent of one year of high school science is certified by the district. Options include Biology, Introductory Physics, Chemistry, or Technology/Engineering, which align with the MCAS science test offerings.	Students must take the science course in grades 9 through 12. Students entering after grade 9 without Biology from their sending school may fulfill this requirement through Physics, Chemistry, or another district-approved alternative. *See attached for an expanded view of course offerings.
U.S. History (beginning with the Class of 2027)	The equivalent of one year of United States history.	Students must take the course in grades 9 through 12. Students entering after grade 9 may satisfy the requirement with principal-approved equivalent coursework. *See attached for an expanded view of course offerings.

4. Alternative Pathways to Meeting the CD Requirement

Keefe Technical High School offers several ways for students to demonstrate competency when the traditional course path is not available:

• Limited MCAS Option: In rare cases where the district cannot verify coursework (e.g., missing transcripts), the CD may be awarded if a student achieves “Meeting Expectations” or “Exceeding Expectations” on the appropriate MCAS or successfully completes a district-certified substitute demonstrating mastery.
   
• Equivalent Coursework Option: Students may complete a different course that the district certifies as meeting the same state academic standards. All substitutions must align with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.
   
• Waiver Option: In extraordinary situations, the Commissioner of Education may grant a waiver of a specific CD provision upon receipt of a written request from the district.

5. Pathways to Competency

Students who have not yet met the CD requirements, including those who are late-enrolling or transferring, will have their academic records reviewed to determine any outstanding coursework or competency needs. The Principal (or designee) will work with students to develop a plan to meet all CD requirements.

Keefe Technical High School reserves the right to substitute any courses for the above-stated courses provided they fully align with the appropriate Massachusetts Curriculum Framework Standards and the State Law regarding Competency Determination (M.G.L. c. 69 §1D).

Students who do not achieve the required passing grades in the prescribed courses may enroll in summer school, participate in credit recovery courses, or be scheduled by their counselor to take additional coursework that meets the same Massachusetts Curriculum Framework Standards. These options provide students who have not yet met the CD requirements with further opportunities to fulfill this graduation requirement.

If a student fails their final assessment, they will participate in a portfolio review of prior assessment data to determine if they have met 60% of the frameworks included in the summative assessment or an equivalent measure.

In the event that a student transfers to Keefe Technical High School at any point during their high school career, a transcript review will be conducted to ensure that coursework completed at the previous school aligns with Keefe Technical High School requirements for the CD and graduation. The Principal shall serve as the final arbiter of any disagreements arising from transcript reviews. Appeals of the Principal’s decision may be submitted to the Superintendent, whose determination regarding CD matters is final.

6. Former Students (Pre-2025 Graduates)

Individuals who left high school before 2025 without earning a CD may request a transcript review. The Principal (or designee) will verify if the student has shown competency in ELA, Math, and Science based on the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.

7. Students Who Already Hold a CD

Students who have previously earned a CD through standard or retest MCAS administration or a DESE appeal remain unaffected by the updated policy.

8. Appeals and Transcript Review

By the fall of senior year, if a student has not met the CD requirement, they may submit a written appeal to the Principal. The district will review transcripts, records, and special circumstances promptly — typically within 30 calendar days of a complete appeal. If both Keefe’s local and the state CD requirements are confirmed, a diploma will be awarded at the next semester break

9. Compliance with Federal and State Law

All students are entitled to a Free and Public Education (FAPE). Students with disabilities and English learners will receive the accommodations outlined in their IEPs, 504 plans, or approved supports in accordance with state and federal regulations.

10. District Certification and Public Posting

Keefe Technical High School’s CD policy, certification process, and appeal procedures will be adopted by the School Committee and publicly posted as required. The district acknowledges that DESE may review or audit CD policies and records at any time.