Supt. proposes competency determination policy for grads
By Mike BergerCanton Superintendent of Schools Derek Folan presented a first look at a proposed “competency determination” policy that will be used to determine eligibility for a high school diploma in place of the MCAS exam. The proposed set of requirements is in addition to the Canton High School graduation requirements adopted last year, although, as Folan explained to School Committee members last week, the competency determination is more “foundational” and, much like the MCAS, is designed to show a “baseline of skills, competencies, and knowledge” that are typically achieved during the first two years of high school.
Instead of a passing score on the MCAS subject tests, which were eliminated as the statewide competency determination by voters in the November 2024 election, students will instead need to show their mastery of skills through completion of relevant coursework in select “certified” courses as determined by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
The proposed Canton policy, according to Folan, incorporates model language from the Mass. Association of School Committees and includes the following requirements: earning a passing grade and achieving full credit in two years of high school English; one year each of Algebra I/Geometry I or Integrated Math I/II; and one year of Science (either Biology, Physics, Chemistry or Technology/Engineering). Additionally, beginning with the Class of 2027, students will need to pass one year of United States history to meet the competency determination.
Beyond these “foundational” requirements, Folan emphasized that CHS students will also need to meet the local graduation requirements, which are more comprehensive in scope and include completion of four years of English and math (24 credits), three years of social studies and science (18 credits), two years of world languages (12 credits), four years of wellness (12 credits), and one year of visual and/or performing arts (6 credits).
To be eligible for a CHS diploma, students must earn at least 27 credits in their senior year (120 total), and to participate in the graduation ceremony, they must also complete a total of 80 hours of community service.
The School Committee is expected to revisit the policy at its next meeting on December 18, with a final, approved version due to DESE by December 31.
Also at the December 18 meeting, Folan said administrators are planning to give a formal presentation of the new statewide graduation framework that was unveiled earlier this month by Governor Maura Healey. Developed in collaboration with the K-12 Statewide Graduation Council, this initial framework outlines a set of course requirements and end-of-course assessments, as well as a capstone or portfolio component and various college/career planning steps. More information about the proposed framework can be found at mass.gov/orgs/executive-office-of-education.
Another major portion of last week’s meeting focused on the progress of the Galvin Middle School 5-8 Transition …
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Posted by Mike Berger
on Dec 10 2025. Filed under News, Schools.
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