- English Language Arts/ELA (two years)
ELA 9, ELA 10, ELA 11, ELA 12
- Mathematics (two years)
Algebra 1 and Geometry
- Science (one year)
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Technology/Engineering
Starting with the Class of 2027:
Student must earn a grade of a D- or better in:
- U.S. History (one year)
U.S. History 1 or U.S. History Il
Students who do not meet the required minimum passing grade in the prescribed courses outlined above may enroll in summer school, credit recovery or be scheduled to take additional coursework by their school counselor to meet the academic standards as outlined in the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. Such opportunities will provide a
student who has yet to meet the CD requirements with additional opportunities to meet the state standard for high school graduation.
Students who do not successfully meet the mastery requirements shall be provided with recovery opportunities, which may include: (1) a performance-based assessment for the course; (2) completing a capstone or portfolio project; or (3) an equivalent measure such as college level courses (i.e., Advanced Placement, dual enrollment), independent study, or specialized project.
Students who have met the CD standard in English language arts, mathematics, and/or science prior to January 3, 2025 (1.e., students who earned the CD through a regular or retest administration of the MCAS or through a DESE appeals process) retain that benefit in addition to meeting local graduation requirements.
SECTION 2:
Additional Requirements:
At this time, the district does not have any additional requirements to meet the Competency Determination.
SECTION 3:
Additional Considerations:
To meet the needs of diverse learners, Multilingual learners, and transfer/late enrolling students, the district wil ensue that the implementation of the CD policy reflects the learning experiences of all students and includes opportunities to ensure that specialized supports, modifications, extended learning opportunities, and alternative assessment methods are available to ensure that the pathway to graduation is differentiated where needed.
Exceptional Learners and Multilingual Learners:
All students must meet the competency determination requirements as outlined in section 1. Students may do so with applicable accommodations and/or modifications in the case of students on 504 Plans or IEPs, including students
with significant cognitive disabilities or complex significant disabilities, and/or Multilingual learners. This includes out-of- district students or students in residential placements.
SPS may consider certifying ESL courses as meeting the ELA requirement for the CD only for students at the foundational levels of English proficiency (1.e., Levels 1 and 2 on ACCESS). Students must also meet the district's graduation requirements.
Transfer Students
When students transfer into a Springfield Public High School at any point in their high school career, a transcript review will be conducted by the School Counselor. The transcript review process includes an audit of courses and may include a
review of course descriptions) and grading framework from the sending school to ensure alignment of standards to the MA Curriculum Frameworks and the determination of satisfactory completion and mastery of the relevant coursework. Where needed, the Office of Student Services and Office of Instruction provides
guidance to ensure that the coursework from the previous school is aligned with SPS coursework for the CD prior to the decision as to whether the CD has been satisfied. The student and family are informed of the decision.
In the limited circumstance where a district is unable to document a student's prior coursework, a student may earn the Competency Determination by: (i) attaining a qualifying score of at least "Meeting Expectations" or "Exceeding Expectations" achievement levels on the relevant high school MCAS assessment; or (ii) meeting the standard for a substituted equivalent that the district certifies satisfies the same
academic standards. (603CMR 30.03(1)(c) and DESE July 2025 Guidance and Policy Submission Process)
SECTION 4:
Appeals Process:
If the CD is not granted and the student and family disagree, an appeal of the decision may be made to the Principal. The Principal shall review any disagreement regarding the transcript review and will work collaboratively with the Office of Student Services and Office of Instruction to resolve any disputes regarding the transcript review.
SECTION 5:
Request for Former Graduates:
SPS will review requests from former graduates from 2003 - 2024 who may be eligible for a diploma twice a year with review periods in the summer and winter. The district announces the application review process on the district website, social media platforms, and news media release. Applications are submitted online, reviewed by a
multidisciplinary team that includes personnel from Student Information, School Counseling, Special Education, Multilingual Leaders, and Adult Education. Decisions are communicated through the online system established by the district to ensure efficiency by tracking and monitoring the process.
SECTION 6:
Certifications:
This policy will be reviewed and updated as necessary should state law, regulations, and/or guidance regarding the Competency Determination requirements for Massachusetts public school students change and will be reviewed within 5 years regardless of changes at the state level or local graduation requirements as outlined in the Pupil Progression Plan. All policy reviews will be approved by the Springfield School Committee, will be shared with all students, parents/caretakers, and district stakeholders, will be made available in multiple languages, and posted to the district's website.