Competency Determination

Competency Determination (File: IKFE)

One of the requirements for graduation in Massachusetts is a determination of competency in subjects previously covered by the MCAS. To earn the Competency Determination (CD), a student must meet two criteria: satisfactorily complete coursework and show mastery in accordance with the Cohasset Public Schools grading protocol.

A student satisfactorily completes coursework by earning a passing grade (60%) in a specific course in accordance with Cohasset High School’s grading protocol.

A student shows mastery of a course by successfully completing relevant coursework certified by the Cohasset Public Schools as reflecting the skills, competencies, and knowledge outlined in the Massachusetts academic standards and curriculum frameworks and meeting district grading standards for proficiency by earning a minimum of 60%. In doing so, the student must earn full credit for the specified courses as outlined below.

To meet the Cohasset Public Schools competency determination required for graduation, students must satisfy at least one option in each of the following academic areas.

In English Language Arts, students must satisfy at least one of the following:
- satisfactorily complete coursework and earn full credit for the equivalent of two years of high school English language arts courses,
- satisfactorily complete alternative courses as determined by the district that include English 9 and English 10 concepts and standards.
In Mathematics, students must satisfy at least one of the following:
- (i) satisfactorily complete coursework and earn full credit for the equivalent of one year of both high school Algebra I and Geometry;
- (ii) satisfactorily complete coursework and earn full credit for the equivalent of two years of alternative coursework as determined by the District that includes the Algebra 1 and Geometry concepts and standards.

In some cases, high school Algebra I and/or Geometry may have been taken in middle school.

In Science, students must satisfy at least one of the following:
- (i) satisfactorily complete coursework and earn full credit for the equivalent of one year of high school Biology;
- (ii) satisfactorily complete coursework and earn full credit in the equivalent of one year of high school Physics;
- (iii) satisfactorily complete coursework and earn full credit in the equivalent of one year of high school Chemistry;
In US History, starting for the Class of 2027, students must satisfy at least one of the following:
- (i) satisfactorily complete coursework and earn full credit for the equivalent of one year of high school US History I;
- (ii) satisfactorily complete coursework and earn full credit for the equivalent of one year of high school US History II

For students in the Classes 2003 through 2026 a student who has earned their Competency Determination (CD) prior to January 3, 2025 in the areas of Mathematics, ELA, and Science through a passing score on the MCAS subject tests or retests and the satisfactory completion of relevant coursework will be considered to have met the competency determination requirement in the relevant subject(s).

Additional Considerations

The Cohasset Public Schools must 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 before graduating them. Students with disabilities who have been placed in out-of-district placements have an equal opportunity to 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.

The Cohasset 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.

Students who enroll in Cohasset High School after their ninth (9th) grade year may be granted a determination of competency by the Cohasset Public Schools based on a transcript review by Cohasset High School administrators and counselors to determine whether the student has completed equivalent coursework aligned with the district’s competency determination. Equivalent coursework completed at accredited out-of-state or international institutions may also be accepted toward the Competency Determination upon administrative review. Students who have not yet completed that coursework and are out of progression with their grade-level peers will be scheduled for classes that allow them to complete the CD requirement.

Students not meeting competency determination criteria will be provided an opportunity to earn credit to demonstrate mastery and/or to show satisfactory completion of identified course(s) as outlined in the Cohasset High School Student Handbook.

Students or families wishing to appeal a Competency Determination decision should contact the Principal, or their designee, to initiate a review meeting with the Principal. The Principal’s decision will be final at the building level.

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

603 CMR 30.00

M.G.L. c. 69, § 1D