Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School

IKFE - COMPETENCY DETERMINATION

In addition to meeting the local graduation requirements articulated in School Committee Policy IKF, a
student must meet the competency determination articulated in MGL c. 69 sect. 1D and 603
CMR 30.00-30.05 in order to receive their high school diploma from the Dennis-Yarmouth Regional
School District.
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:

1. The final assessment for a course; or
2. A capstone or portfolio project; or

A student enrolled in the Dennis Yarmouth 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:

Aligned Courses:

Dennis Yarmouth Regional School District offers the following courses in alignment with the state
curriculum frameworks that meet the above requirements. Evidence of successful completion: Full
Credit, for each course listed, a final assessment or a portfolio project.

Students who do not meet the required passing grades in the above prescribed courses may enroll in
summer school, credit recovery courses, or be scheduled to take additional coursework by their guidance
counselor that meet the same MA Curriculum Framework Standards. These opportunities will provide a
student who has yet to meet the Competency Determination (CD) requirements additional opportunities
to meet this standard for graduation.

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
The Dennis Yarmouth Regional School District 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
The Dennis Yarmouth 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 Dennis Yarmouth Regional School District in one or more of the
following ways:

● Transcript review by District Administrator(s).
● Additional course requirements as determined by District Administrator(s).
● 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
Current students and/or parents/guardians may appeal the determination of competency in accordance
with the following district procedures:
1. An appeal of a decision to award or deny a CD must be submitted in writing to the Principal
within 10 school days of the decision.
2. The appeal will be reviewed by the Principal, Director of School Counseling and relevant
department head(s).
3. The review may include transcript evaluation, teacher input, and/or portfolio review.
4. The principal shall be the arbiter for all disagreements in transcript review.
5. Appeals of the Principal’s decision must be submitted in writing to the Superintendent within 10
school days of the decision.
6. The Superintendent’s decision on appeal is final.

Transcripts Review and Reporting
Current or former students may request a transcript review to determine CD eligibility by submitting a
written request to the School Counseling Office.

Annual Review and Reporting
The District will submit this CD policy and a description of local graduation requirements to DESE as
required and will review and update the policy annually to ensure compliance with state regulations. The
CD policy will be publicly posted on the district’s website along with translated versions to ensure
access for all students, parents and families.

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

CROSS REFS:

Student Handbook

IKF Graduation Requirements

Revised, approved and adopted by the School Committee on December 1, 2025