Foxborough Public SchoolsFoxborough Public Schools
Foxborough
Public Schools

Competency Determination Information

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 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.

For students in the Class of 2026, a student who has earned their competency determination prior to January 3, 2025 in the areas of Mathematics, English Language Arts (ELA), and Science through a passing score on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) subject tests or retests will be considered to have met the competency determination requirement in the relevant subject(s)

Beginning with the class of 2025, a determination of competency shall include: 

  • Demonstrating a mastery of skills in English Language arts, mathematics, and science; in accordance with the district’s grading policy on the final assessment, capstone or portfolio.

  • 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.

Beginning with the class of 2027, an additional requirement for mastery of skills and satisfactory completion of coursework in US History will be part of a student’s Competency Determination. 
 
More detailed information on the Foxborough Public Schools Competency Determination Policy (Policy IKFE) can be found here.


 

Appeals Process for current students not meeting the Competency Determination through satisfactory completion of coursework or demonstration of mastery. 

For students not meeting the Competency Determination through satisfactory completion of coursework or mastery through the final exam or portfolio review, students will receive notification they have NOT met the CD in one or more courses and their option to participate in the appeals process at the beginning of Grade 11. 

Within 30 days of receipt of this notice, students will meet with their School Counselor and a Building Administrator to determine a plan for the student to achieve their CD by Grade 12, which may include any of the following:

  • additional course requirements in the relevant subjects as determined
  • a qualifying MCAS score of at least meeting or exceeding expectations on the relevant high school MCAS assessment
  • or by meeting the standard for a substitute equivalent that the district certifies satisfies the same academic standards

Students will revisit their plan with their School Counselor at the beginning of Grade 12 to determine if they have met the conditions of the appeal plan and a final determination will be made by the building principal.  

If you attended Foxborough High School between 2003-2024 and did not obtain a diploma because of the MCAS. 

Eligibility:

  • A student who did not earn a diploma as a result of failing to meet the state’s CD requirement
  • Previously met the criteria for a Certificate of Attainment (i.e., they met local graduation requirements but did not receive a high school diploma because they did not earn a CD)
  • Was previously enrolled in the district
  • Was not previously reported as a graduate in any district’s Student Information Management System
Any student who has not previously met the criteria for a Certificate of Attainment (indicating that they did not meet all local graduation requirements when they exited high school) must meet the district’s current CD requirements and local graduation requirements in order to earn a diploma. 

Process:
  1. Request a transcript review by contacting us through the 2003-2024 Transcript Review Request Form
  2. The Foxborough High School Principal, Guidance Department Head, and the Special Education Department Head when necessary, will review            your information and communicate a decision within 20 school days
  3. A final appeal to the Assistant Superintendent can be made in writing. You must include the reason for the appeal in your request. A response         will be provided within 10 school days, and this decision is final.