IKFE Competency Determination
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, 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.
To show mastery, a student must successfully complete, in accordance with the district’s grading policy and course requirements:
- A final assessment for a course; or
- A capstone or portfolio project; or
- An equivalent measure as determined by the High School Principal.
A student enrolled in the Hamilton Wenham 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:
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Aligned Courses:
Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School offers the following courses that align with the state curriculum frameworks and meet the requirements above.
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Additional Considerations
Students with Disabilities
The Hamilton-Wenham 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 determination and local graduation requirements prior to graduating that student. Hamilton-Wenham students with disabilities who have been placed in out-of-district placements must meet the requirements of the Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District. Discussion of the competency determination must be a part of the IEP Team’s transition planning.
English Language Learners
The Hamilton Wenham 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 Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District in one or more of the following ways:
- Transcript review by the Principal of the High School.
- Additional course requirements as determined by the Principal of the High School.
Appeals Process
Current students and/or parents/guardians may appeal the determination of competency in accordance with the following district procedures:
Provide a written appeal to the High School Principal within two weeks prior to the student’s graduation date. The Principal will hold a hearing with the student and the parent/guardian within three school days of receiving the appeal. Following the appeal hearing, the Principal shall render a final decision within two school days.
Those enrolled in the Hamilton Wenham Regional School District in the classes of 2003 through 2024 that did not earn a diploma may also appeal the decision through the following process:
The student may request a transcript review to determine if they are currently eligible for a diploma pursuant to the district’s current CD requirements. This request should be in writing sent to the high school principal. To be deemed eligible, the individual must have been previously enrolled in the district, met all local graduation requirements, not previously reported as a graduate in any district’s Student Information Management System (SIMS) submission, and must meet the district’s current CD and local graduation requirements.
LEGAL REFS: DESE Graduation Requirements and Related Guidance
DESE Graduation and Transition Planning for Students with IEPs
DESE Competency Determination Guidance and Policy Submission Process
CROSS REFS: Student Handbook
IKF Graduation Requirements
SOURCE: MASC - 2025
Adopted: 11/6/2025