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, competency, 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 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 to the graduating class of 2027, and beyond.
 
A student who has successfully passed and earned academic credit in the coursework below in accordance with the course grading practices (syllabus, course expectations, etc.) and the Norwood Public Schools grading policy is deemed to have shown mastery in that area.

Content Area	Coursework Requirements	Notes
English Language Arts	English Language Arts The equivalent of two years of high school English language arts courses.	To satisfy this course requirement, the English Language Arts courses must be taken in grades 9-12.  Course equivalency is determined by the School Principal or designee.
Mathematics	The equivalent of one year of both Algebra I and Geometry courses.	Middle school math courses may be certified by the district as meeting the coursework requirement for the mathematics component of the CD. Districts must confirm that the course aligns to the high school Algebra I/Geometry/Integrated Math I/Integrated Math II standards as listed in the 2017 Massachusetts Mathematics Curriculum Framework. Course equivalency is determined by the School Principal or designee.
Science	The equivalent of one year of any one of the following disciplines: Biology, Physics, Chemistry, or Technology/Engineering.	To satisfy this course requirement, the science course must be taken in grades 9-12.  Course equivalency is determined by the School Principal or designee.
U.S. History (Beginning with the graduating class of 2027)	The equivalent of a one-year United States history course.	To satisfy this course requirement, the U.S. History course must be taken in grades 9-12.  Course equivalency is determined by the School Principal or designee.

Additional Considerations

Students with Disabilities
The Norwood 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.

English Language Learners
The Norwood 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 Norwood Public Schools in one or more of the following ways:  

• Transcript review by the School Principal or designee.
• Additional course requirements as determined by the School 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
Current students and/or parents/guardians may appeal the determination of competency by requesting, in writing, a transcript review by the School Principal.  The appeal should include language explaining why the student and/or guardian believe that the student has met the competency determination requirements of the Norwood Public Schools.

Those enrolled in the Norwood Public Schools in the classes of 2003 through 2024 that did not earn a diploma may also appeal the decision by requesting, in writing, a transcript review by the School Principal.  The appeal should include language explaining why the former student believes they have met the competency determination requirements of the Norwood Public Schools.

Legal References:
DESE Graduation Requirements and Related Guidance 
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:        IKF Graduation Requirements
SOURCE:  MASC - 2025
APPROVED BY THE NORWOOD SCHOOL COMMITTEE: December 17, 2025