Meeting Massachusetts graduation standards
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 or by any other appropriate methodology as may be determined by the School Committee:
- The final assessment for a course; or
- A capstone or portfolio project; or
- An equivalent measure identified in the district's CD policy.
A student enrolled in Greater Lawrence Technical High School 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:
Coursework Requirements
| Content Area | Coursework Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| Mathematics | The equivalent of one year of both Algebra I and Geometry courses, or the equivalent of one year of both Integrated Math I and Integrated Math II. Whether to follow an Algebra/Geometry or Integrated Math I/II course sequence is determined by the district, but the equivalent length of the courses must still be met. | 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
Aligned Courses
Greater Lawrence Technical High School offers the following courses in alignment with the state curriculum frameworks that meet the above requirements.
| Content Area | Aligned Courses | Evidence of Mastery |
|---|---|---|
| English Language Arts | English 9 English 10 (All Levels) Credit Recovery English |
End of course capstone or portfolio project Successful completion of aligned course |
| Mathematics | Algebra 1 Geometry (All Levels) Credit Recovery Math |
End of course capstone or portfolio project Successful completion of aligned course |
| Science | Biology I Biology II (All Levels) Chemistry (All Levels) Physics (All Levels) Credit Recovery Biology Credit Recovery Chemistry Credit Recovery Physics |
End of course capstone or portfolio project Successful completion of aligned course |
| U.S. History | US History I US History II (All Levels) Credit Recovery US History I Credit Recovery US History II |
End of course capstone or portfolio project Successful completion of aligned course |
*Students who met the CD standard in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and/or Science prior to January 3, 2025 (i.e., students who earned a CD through a regular or retest administration of the MCAS, or through a DESE appeal process) retain that benefit.
Additional Considerations
Students with Disabilities
Greater Lawrence Technical High School 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
Greater Lawrence Technical High School 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 Greater Lawrence Technical High School in one or more of the following ways:
- Transcript review by GLTS Principal.
- Additional course requirements as determined by GLTS 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
The appeals process ensures that students and families have a clear and fair pathway for challenging a Graduation Competency Determination (GCD). The process follows the district's problem-solving framework and emphasizes resolving concerns at the level closest to the issue whenever possible.
School-Level Administrative Review
The student and/or parent may request a review with the Principal.
At this stage, the administrator will:
- Review all prior documentation and communications.
- Confirm whether policies, procedures, and accommodations (IEP/504, if applicable) were correctly applied.
- Determine if additional evidence of competency can or should be considered.
The administrator will issue a written decision within five (5) school days of the meeting.
Those enrolled in The Greater Lawrence High School in the classes of 2003 through 2024 that did not earn a diploma as a result of failing to meet the states Competency Determination requirement may request a transcript review with the building principal. The principal will utilize the above criteria to determine if the student has met GLTS's competency determination and award a diploma.