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Competency Determination Policy
Sandwich Public Schools periodically reviews and updates its Competency Determination (CD) policy to ensure alignment with guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The current policy reflects these statewide expectations and was most recently approved by the School Committee in 2025.
The updated policy adds U.S. History as a component of the Competency Determination and clarifies procedures for the student appeal process and for how current or former students may request a transcript review. It also more clearly describes the supports provided to English Learners and students with disabilities. There are no changes to graduation requirements for students, as all other expectations outlined in the policy were already in place.
You can read the current Competency Determination policy here.
Competency Determination (CD) Policy
Competency Determination Requirements
General
Satisfactorily Completing Coursework
A student earns full credit by receiving a minimum passing grade of 60% in accordance with the Sandwich Middle High School grading policy. All incomplete grades must be resolved within two weeks of the grading period or will be converted to zero.
Showing Mastery
A student demonstrates mastery by successfully completing one or more of the following district-approved measures:
- A passing final grade in the course
- A capstone or portfolio project
- A performance-based assessment
- A qualifying MCAS score (“Meeting” or “Exceeding Expectations”), where applicable
Students who previously earned a Competency Determination through a regular or retest administration of the MCAS (through the November 2024 retest) or through a DESE appeal are exempt from these requirements.
Competency Determination Requirements - Section 1
-
English Language Arts (ELA)
Coursework Requirement
Students must satisfactorily complete:- English 9
- English 10
These courses represent the equivalent of two full years of high school English language arts aligned to the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.
Mastery Requirement
Students demonstrate mastery through:- A passing final grade in the course
A portfolio, capstone, or performance-based assessment
aligned to the Massachusetts ELA Frameworks. -
Mathematics
Coursework Requirement
Students must satisfactorily complete:- Algebra I
- Geometry
These courses represent the equivalent of one full year of Algebra I and one full year of Geometry, aligned to the Massachusetts Mathematics Frameworks.
Mastery Requirement
Students demonstrate mastery through:- A passing final grade in the course
- A capstone or performance-based assessment
-
Science
Coursework Requirement
Students must satisfactorily complete:- Biology OR Principles of Biomedical Science, AND
- One additional laboratory-based science course
These courses represent the equivalent of two lab-based science credits aligned to the Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering Frameworks.
Mastery Requirement
Students demonstrate mastery through:- A passing final grade in the course
- A capstone or performance-based assessment
-
U.S. History
Coursework Requirement (Beginning with the Class of 2027)
Students must satisfactorily complete:- United States History
This represents the equivalent of one full-year U.S. History course aligned to the Massachusetts History and Social Science Frameworks.
Mastery Requirement
Students demonstrate mastery through:- A passing final grade in the course
- A capstone or performance-based assessment
Section 2 - Additional Requirements
Section 2: Additional Requirements
Sandwich Middle High School does not impose additional Competency Determination requirements beyond those outlined in Section 1. All CD-related coursework is embedded within the school’s MassCore-aligned graduation requirements.
Section 3: Additional Considerations
-
Students with Disabilities
Sandwich Middle High School provides students with disabilities equal opportunity to meet CD requirements through:
- IEP-aligned accommodations and modifications
- Ongoing progress monitoring
- Access to all required CD coursework
- Alternative mastery demonstrations when appropriate
Students educated in out-of-district day or residential placements satisfy CD requirements through coursework and mastery determinations made by the approved placement school.
-
English Learners
English Learners are provided:
- Specialized instructional supports and accommodations
- ACCESS-based placement
- EL courses that integrate grade-level ELA standards, which may be used to meet ELA CD requirements for eligible students. Progress toward both English proficiency and academic mastery is continuously monitored.
English Learners(ELs) are provided with equal opportunities and the support necessary to meet the CD requirements. ELs, who are at the Level 1 or 2 proficiency level according to their ACCESS scores, who successfully complete SMHS ESL courses will be given credit for meeting CD requirements in English.
-
Late-Enrolling Students
Students who enroll after Grade 9 are evaluated through:
- Comprehensive transcript review
- Opportunities to complete missing coursework during the school year or summer
- In limited cases, qualifying MCAS score exceptions
When prior coursework cannot be documented, and courses are unavailable, MCAS performance may be used to establish competency in accordance with DESE guidance.
All determinations are reviewed by the CD Review Committee, consisting of:
- The Principal
- Guidance and Student Support Administrator
- Other relevant staff as needed
Section 4: Appeals Process
Section 4: Appeals Process
Students or parents/guardians may appeal a CD determination as follows:
- Written appeal submitted to the Principal by February 15 of the student’s senior year
- Review by the CD Review Committee of:
- Transcript
- Course performance
- Teacher input
- Student-submitted evidence
- Written decision issued to the student and family
If necessary, a final appeal may be submitted to the Superintendent.
Section 5: Diploma Request Process for Previously Enrolled Students
Section 5: Diploma Request Process for Previously Enrolled Students
Eligible students from the Classes of 2003–2024 who did not earn a diploma due to the CD requirement may request review.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Previously enrolled at Sandwich Middle High School
- Met all local graduation credit requirements
- Not previously reported as a graduate in SIMS
- Has not received a diploma elsewhere
Process:
- Written request submitted to the Principal
- Submission of transcript and signed eligibility verification
- Review by the CD Review Committee
- Written decision issued with explanation and any next steps
Section 6 - Certifications
Section 6: Certifications
Once approved, the district will certify that:
- This policy has been approved by the Sandwich School Committee
- This policy is shared with students, families/guardians, and stakeholders
- This policy is made publicly available in multiple languages