At the May 7 Duxbury School Committee meeting, the Policy Subcommittee presented a first draft of its recommended revision of Policy IKF: Graduation Requirements. The proposed revision comes amid the recent statewide elimination of the MCAS standardized testing requirement for high school graduation.

The shift away from MCAS as a graduation requirement has prompted districts across the Commonwealth to redefine what it means for students to demonstrate competency. As highlighted in a recent WBUR article, many districts are navigating this transition with urgency and care—especially since the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) is still weighing what the new requirements will ultimately be. Under the proposed revision, Duxbury students will demonstrate competency by earning a passing final grade in the following courses:

• English 10
• Algebra I
• Geometry
• Biology

This approach aligns with the direction most Massachusetts districts are taking, as they seek to maintain rigorous academic standards without the MCAS benchmark.

It is noteworthy that Duxbury High School requires students to earn 130 credits to graduate. This exceeds the state’s recommended MassCore program, which suggests 22 units (approximately 110 credits). Our credit requirement is also higher than those of several neighboring districts. This commitment reflects our dedication to providing a comprehensive and challenging educational experience.

BESE will meet next week to discuss competency determinations. We will closely monitor these developments to ensure our policies remain aligned with state guidelines and best practices.

Throughout this transition, the dedication of our students, families, and educators has been remarkable. Their collective efforts embody the Duxbury Public Schools’ mission: to provide each student with equitable access to achieve personal and academic excellence.

As we navigate these changes, our commitment to academic rigor and student success remains unwavering.

Finally, as always, your feedback matters. I urge you to share your thoughts at our upcoming meeting on May 21, or reach out to members directly. I am always happy to chat as well… so please feel free to schedule time with me.

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Note: The views and opinions expressed here are my own and do not reflect the official policies, positions, or endorsements of the Duxbury School Committee. For official information about Duxbury Public Schools and the Duxbury School Committee, please visit duxbury.k12.ma.us.