BHS Competency Determination Policy

COMPETENCY DETERMINATION AND GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

I. Competency Determination (CD) Policy

Purpose

One of the requirements for graduation in Massachusetts is a determination of competency in subjects formerly assessed by the MCAS. In addition to other local requirements, Burlington students must be determined by the district to have achieved mastery of the knowledge, skills, and competencies contained in the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.

Competency Determination Requirements

A determination of competency shall include:

• Demonstrating mastery in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and, beginning with the Class of 2027, U.S. History; and
• Satisfactory completion of relevant coursework aligned to those standards measured by the high school English language arts, mathematics, and science MCAS assessments administered in 2023.

To show mastery, a student must successfully complete, in accordance with the school’s grading policy:

1. The final assessment for a course, or
2. A capstone or portfolio project; or
3. An equivalent measure is identified in Burlington High School’s Program of Studies.

Coursework Requirements 

A student enrolled at Burlington 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:

Aligned Courses 

Aligned courses will be listed in the Burlington High School Program of Studies in accordance with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and DESE’s Competency Determination guidance.

Additional Considerations

• Students with Disabilities: The Burlington Public Schools will provide a Free and Appropriate Public Education to students with disabilities and will also determine that the student has met the competency determination and local graduation requirements prior to graduating that student. CD and graduation requirements apply to students with disabilities. Coursework completed in out-of-district placements must meet Burlington’s CD requirements. CD determinations must be part of IEP transition planning.
  
  
• English Learners: The district will determine appropriate courses on a case-by-case basis to ensure both language development and fulfillment of CD requirements. For students at ACCESS English Language Development Levels 1 and 2, ESL courses count toward ELA credit, as they are aligned to grade-level standards.
  
  
• Late-Enrolling Students: Students entering Burlington Public Schools after ninth grade may demonstrate CD through transcript review, additional coursework requirements, or qualifying MCAS scores.

Appeals Process

Current students and their families/guardians may appeal Competency Determination (CD) decisions through the procedures described below. Burlington Public Schools will maintain a formal, school-level appeals process for students at risk of not meeting CD requirements. This process includes:

1. Students and/or guardians may appeal a CD decision. 
1. Appeals must be submitted no later than Feb. 1st
2. Appeals will be reviewed by the Principal or designee, with a written decision issued within 30 school days.
2. Review of the student’s transcript and coursework evidence.
3. Input from teachers, counselors, and administrators.
4. The Principal or designee will issue a final decision.

Former students (Classes 2003–2024) who completed local graduation requirements but did not graduate due to MCAS may also appeal for diploma consideration under current CD standards.

• The process includes notifying eligible students from the Classes of 2003–2025, where accurate contact information is available, regarding their opportunity to earn a diploma. Burlington High School will continue efforts to reach these students and will review transcripts upon request to verify eligibility.
• Students from prior graduating classes (Classes of 2003–2025) who were denied a diploma solely for not meeting MCAS-based CD requirements may now petition for a diploma.
• Burlington Public Schools will review transcripts to verify successful completion of required coursework.
• Verified students will be awarded a diploma consistent with DESE guidance on retroactive CD eligibility.

II. Local Graduation Requirements

Purpose

In addition to Competency Determination, Burlington students must complete local graduation requirements to earn a diploma. These requirements reflect our commitment to preparing students for college, career, and civic life.

Credit Requirements

A credit represents successful completion of a year-long course or semester course. A minimum of 110 credits is required for graduation, distributed as follows:

• English Language Arts: 4 full-year courses
  
  
• Mathematics: 4 full-year courses at Burlington High School
  
  
• Science: 3 full-year courses (1 Physical and 1 Life)
• History and Social Science: 3 full-year courses, including 2 years in U.S. History and 1 year of World History
  
  
• World Language: 2 full years of the same language
• Students must complete two consecutive years of the same World Language.
  
  
• Wellness / Physical Education: Minimum one semester each year
• 9th Grade Wellness & PE
• 10th Grade Wellness & PE
• 11th Grade PE
• 12th Grade Wellness
  
  
• Exploratory Courses (10 credits)
• Business
• Fine Arts
• Performing Arts
• Computer Science
• Humanities
• STEM

Relationship Between CD and Graduation Requirements

• Earning a diploma requires both:
1. Meeting Competency Determination (CD) requirements, and
2. Completing Local Graduation Requirements.
• Students must fulfill both sets of criteria to graduate.

Approval and Communication

This policy was approved by the Burlington School Committee on 11/18/2025. It will be posted publicly, translated into multiple languages, and communicated to students, staff, and families annually.

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