File: IKFE - 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 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:

1.The final assessment for a course; or

2.A capstone or portfolio project; or

3.An equivalent measure identified in the district’s CD policy.

A student enrolled in the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional Schools 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:

Content Area	Coursework Requirements	Notes
English Language Arts	The equivalent of two years of high school English language arts courses.	To satisfy this course requirement, the English Language Arts courses must be taken in grades 9-12.
Mathematics	The equivalent of one year of both Algebra I and Geometry courses, or the equivalent of one year of both Integrated Math I and Integrated Math II. Whether to follow an Algebra/Geometry or Integrated Math I/II course sequence is determined by the district, but the equivalent length of the courses must still be met.	Middle school math courses may be certified by the district as meeting the coursework requirement for the mathematics component of the CD. Districts must confirm that the course aligns to the high school Algebra I/Geometry/Integrated Math I/Integrated Math II standards as listed in the 2017 Massachusetts Mathematics Curriculum Framework.
Science	The equivalent of one year of any one of the following disciplines: Biology, Physics, Chemistry,or Technology/Engineering.	To satisfy this course requirement, the science course must be taken in grades 9-12.
U.S. History (Beginning with the graduating class of 2027)	The equivalent of a one-year United States history course.	To satisfy this course requirement, the U.S. History course must be taken in grades 9-12.

Aligned Courses:

HWRSD offers the following courses in alignment with the state curriculum frameworks that meet the above requirements.

Options

Course	Skills, Competencies and Knowledge that Students Must Demonstrate Mastery Of	How Student will Show Mastery/Notes
English/Language Arts I (9th grade)	English/Language Arts I (9th grade) courses build upon students’ prior knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, word usage, and the mechanics of writing and usually include the four aspects of language use: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Typically, these courses introduce and define various genres of literature, with writing exercises often linked to reading selections.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
English/Language Arts II (10th grade)	English/Language Arts II (10th grade) courses usually offer a balanced focus on composition and literature. Typically, students learn about the alternate aims and audiences of written compositions by writing persuasive, critical, and creative multi-paragraph essays and compositions. Through the study of various genres of literature, students can improve their reading rate and comprehension and develop the skills to determine the author’s intent and theme and to recognize the techniques used by the author to deliver his or her message.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
English/Language Arts III (11th grade)	English/Language Arts III (11th grade) courses continue to develop students’ writing skills, emphasizing clear, logical writing patterns, word choice, and usage, as students write essays and begin to learn the techniques of writing research papers. Students continue to read works of literature, which often form the backbone of the writing assignments. Literary conventions and stylistic devices may receive greater emphasis than in previous courses.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
English/Language Arts IV (12th grade)	English/Language Arts IV (12th grade) courses blend composition and literature into a cohesive whole as students write critical and comparative analyses of selected literature, continuing to develop their language arts skills. Typically, students primarily write multi-paragraph essays, but they may also write one or more major research papers.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
AP English Language and Composition	Following the College Board’s suggested curriculum designed to parallel college-level English courses, AP English Language and Composition courses expose students to prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts. These courses emphasize the interaction of authorial purpose, intended audience, and the subject at hand, and through them, students learn to develop stylistic flexibility as they write compositions covering a variety of subjects that are intended for various purposes.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
AP English Literature and Composition	Following the College Board’s suggested curriculum designed to parallel college-level English courses, AP English Literature and Composition courses enable students to develop critical standards for evaluating literature. Students study the language, character, action, and theme in works of recognized literary merit; enrich their understanding of connotation, metaphor, irony, syntax, and tone; and write compositions of their own (including literary analysis, exposition, argument, narrative, and creative writing).	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
English as a Second Language	English as a Second Language (ESL) courses are designed for the rapid mastery of the English language, focusing on reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. ESL courses usually begin with extensive listening and speaking practice, building on auditory and oral skills, and then move on to reading and writing. These courses provide an explanation of basic structures of the English language, enabling students to progress from an elementary understanding of English words and verb tenses to a more comprehensive grasp of various formal and informal styles and then to advance to “regular” English courses. ESL classes may also include an orientation to the customs and culture of the diverse population in the United States.	ESL courses may count toward the ELA coursework requirement, if they explicitly integrate grade-appropriate ELA standards with English Language Development (ELD) standards, using instructional scaffolds that are appropriate to students’ English proficiency levels
AP Seminar: English	Following the College Board’s suggested curriculum designed to parallel college-level English courses, AP Seminar: English courses expose students to a variety of texts covering multiple genres, topics, and rhetorical contexts in a seminar-style setting. These courses foster students’ ability to summarize and explain the salient ideas in a text by analyzing an author’s perspective, rhetorical choices, and argumentative structure. Students evaluate a variety of literary, informational, and visual texts, and synthesize perspectives to develop evidence-based arguments. Students convey their findings through multiple written formats, multimedia presentations, and oral defenses	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
English/Literature (freshmen and sophomores)	English/Literature (freshmen and sophomores) courses are designed for freshmen and/or sophomores and typically introduce them to two or more genres of literature (novel, short story, poetry, and so on). Exploration of each genre’s literary elements; determination of theme and intent; and examination of vocabulary and semantics are often included in the course content. Writing assignments are required as an additional method to improve understanding and comprehension.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
English/Literature (juniors and seniors)	English/Literature (juniors and seniors) courses are designed for juniors and/or seniors and emphasize comprehension, discernment, and critical-thinking skills in the reading of texts and literature. These courses introduce and explore more advanced literary techniques (irony, satire, humor, connotation, tone, rhythm, symbolism, and so on) through two or more literary genres, with the aim of creating sophisticated readers. Writing assignments are required as an additional method to develop and improve critical-thinking and analytic skills.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
Literature	Literature courses offer the opportunity for students to study and reflect upon the themes presented in the body of literature being presented. Students improve their critical-thinking skills as they determine the underlying assumptions and values within the reading selection and as they understand how the work reflects society’s problems and culture. Oral discussion is an integral part of literature courses, and written compositions are sometimes required. Literature courses may survey representative works, reflect a particular genre or a specific theme, or survey works of a particular time or people.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
American Literature	American Literature courses focus upon commonly known American authors and their work. Students improve their critical-thinking skills as they determine the underlying assumptions and values within the selected works and as they understand how the literature reflects the society of the time. Oral discussion is an integral part of literature courses, and written compositions are sometimes required.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
British Literature	British Literature courses may provide a survey of British literature or may focus on a selected timeframe of England’s history. Students improve their critical-thinking skills as they determine the underlying assumptions and values within the selected works and as they understand how the literature reflects the society of the time. Oral discussion is an integral part of literature courses, and written compositions are sometimes required.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
World Literature	World Literature courses use representative literature selections from ancient and/or modern times from countries around the world. Students improve their critical-thinking skills as they comprehend the diversity of literary traditions and the influences of those traditions. Oral discussion is an integral part of literature courses, and written compositions are sometimes required.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
Literature of a Genre	These courses have the same aim as general literature courses (to improve students’ language arts and critical-thinking skills), focusing on one or several genres, such as poetry, essay, biography, short story, drama, and so on. Students determine the underlying assumptions and values within the selected works and also examine the structure, techniques, and intentions of the genre being studied. Oral discussion is an integral part of these genre-oriented courses, and written compositions are sometimes required.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
Literature of a Period	These courses have the same aim as general literature courses (to improve students’ language arts and critical-thinking skills), focusing on the literature written during or reflecting a particular time period (such as the French Revolution, the 1960s, or the 20th century). Students determine the underlying assumptions and values within the selected works, reflect upon the influence of societal events and social attitudes, and compare the points of view of various authors. Oral discussion is an integral part of literature courses, and written compositions are sometimes required.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
Literature of a Place	These courses have the same aim as general literature courses (to improve students’ language arts and critical-thinking skills), focusing on a particular geographic region. Students determine the underlying assumptions and values within the selected works; study how the literature reflects the land, society, and history of the region; and may study the influence of this literature on others. Oral discussion is an integral part of literature courses, and written compositions are sometimes required.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
Literature of a People	These courses have the same aim as general literature courses (to improve students’ language arts and critical-thinking skills), but use literature written by authors who share a particular characteristic such as religion, culture, or gender. Students determine the underlying assumptions and values within the selected works, reflect upon the influence of a common characteristic, and compare the points of view of various authors. Oral discussion is an integral part of literature courses, and written compositions are sometimes required.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
Literature of a Theme	These courses have the same aim as general literature courses (to improve students’ language arts and critical-thinking skills), but use selected literature to explore a particular theme as expressed from several points of view. Such themes might include The American Dream, Society and Self, Exploration, War and Peace, and the like.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
Literature-Independent Study	Courses in Literature-Independent Study, often conducted with instructors as mentors, enable students to explore topics of interest related to literature. Independent Study courses may serve as an opportunity for students to expand their expertise in a particular application, to explore a topic in greater detail, or to develop more advanced skills.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
Literature-Other	Other Literature courses.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
English/Composition (freshmen and sophomores)	English/Composition (freshmen and sophomores) courses are designed for freshmen and/or sophomores and build upon previous writing skills. These courses seek to develop the writing processes and practices necessary for producing successful high school compositions. Students typically learn to write persuasive, critical, and creative multi-paragraph essays and compositions. While emphasizing composition, these courses may also incorporate some literature study to expose students to exemplary illustrations of various forms of writing.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
English/Composition (juniors and seniors)	English/Composition (juniors and seniors) courses are designed for juniors and/or seniors and build upon previous writing skills. Reinforcing the logic and critical-thinking skills that accompany good writing, these courses-which emphasize word choice, usage, and writing mechanics-provide continued and advanced instruction in writing for a variety of purposes and audiences. English/Composition (juniors and seniors) courses may emphasize college or business preparation; literature study may be offered as an additional component in which students analyze examples of several genres.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
Composition	Composition courses focus on students’ writing skills and develop their ability to compose different types of papers for a range of purposes and audiences. These courses enable students to explore and practice descriptive, narrative, persuasive, or expositive styles as they write paragraphs, essays, letters, applications, formal documented papers, or technical reports. Although composition courses may present some opportunities for creative writing, their focus usually remains on nonfiction, scholarly, or formal writing.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
Creative Writing	Creative Writing courses offer students the opportunity to develop and improve their technique and individual style in poetry, short story, drama, essays, and other forms of prose. The emphasis of the courses is on writing; however, students may study exemplary representations and authors to obtain a fuller appreciation of the form and craft. Although most creative writing classes cover several expressive forms, others concentrate exclusively on one particular form (such as poetry or playwriting).	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
Research/Technical Writing	Research/Technical Writing classes prepare students to write research papers and/or technical reports. These classes emphasize researching (primary and secondary sources), organizing (material, thoughts, and arguments), and writing in a persuasive or technical style.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
Composition-Independent Study	Composition-Independent study, often conducted with instructors as mentors, allow students to explore particular topics within the field of language arts (emphasizing composition). Independent Study courses may serve as an opportunity for students to expand their expertise in a particular application, to explore a topic in greater detail, or to develop more advanced skills.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
Composition-Other	Other Composition courses.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
English Proficiency Development	English Proficiency Development courses are designed to assist students in acquiring the skills necessary to pass proficiency examinations.	ESL courses may count toward the ELA coursework requirement, if they explicitly integrate grade-appropriate ELA standards with English Language Development (ELD) standards, using instructional scaffolds that are appropriate to students’ English proficiency levels
English Language and Literature-Independent Study	English Language and Literature-Independent study courses, often conducted with instructors as mentors, allow students to explore particular topics within the field of language arts. Independent Study courses may serve as an opportunity for students to expand their expertise in a particular application, to explore a topic in greater detail, or to develop more advanced skills.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
English Language and Literature-Other	Other English Language and Literature courses.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
Algebra I	Algebra I courses include the study of properties and operations of the real number system; evaluating rational algebraic expressions; solving and graphing first degree equations and inequalities; translating word problems into equations; operations with and factoring of polynomials; and solving simple quadratic equations.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
Algebra I-Part 1	The first part in a multi-part sequence of Algebra I. This course generally covers the same topics as the first semester of Algebra I, including the study of properties of rational numbers (i.e., number theory), ratio, proportion, and estimation, exponents and radicals, the rectangular coordinate system, sets and logic, formulas, and solving first degree equations and inequalities.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
Algebra I-Part 2	The second part in a multi-part sequence of Algebra I. This course generally covers the same topics as the second semester of Algebra I, including the study of properties of the real number system and operations, evaluating rational algebraic expressions, solving and graphing first degree equations and inequalities, translating word problems into equations, operations with and factoring of polynomials, and solving simple quadratics.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
Geometry	Geometry courses, emphasizing an abstract, formal approach to the study of geometry, typically include topics such as properties of plane and solid figures; deductive methods of reasoning and use of logic; geometry as an axiomatic system including the study of postulates, theorems, and formal proofs; concepts of congruence, similarity, parallelism, perpendicularity, and proportion; and rules of angle measurement in triangles.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
Biology	Biology courses are designed to provide information regarding the fundamental concepts of life and life processes. These courses include (but are not restricted to) such topics as cell structure and function, general plant and animal physiology, genetics, and taxonomy.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
Biology-Advanced Studies	Usually taken after a comprehensive initial study of biology, Biology-Advanced Studies courses cover biological systems in more detail. Topics that may be explored include cell organization, function, and reproduction; energy transformation; human anatomy and physiology; and the evolution and adaptation of organisms.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
AP Biology	Adhering to the curricula recommended by the College Board and designed to parallel college-level introductory biology courses, AP Biology courses emphasize four general concepts: evolution; cellular processes (energy and communication); genetics and information transfer; and interactions of biological systems. For each concept, these courses emphasize the development of scientific inquiry and reasoning skills, such as designing a plan for collecting data, analyzing data, applying mathematical routines, and connecting concepts in and across domains. AP Biology courses include college-level laboratory investigations.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
Chemistry	Chemistry courses involve studying the composition, properties, and reactions of substances. These courses typically explore such concepts as the behaviors of solids, liquids, and gases; acid/base and oxidation/reduction reactions; and atomic structure. Chemical formulas and equations and nuclear reactions are also studied.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
Chemistry-Advanced Studies	Usually taken after a comprehensive initial study of chemistry, Chemistry-Advanced Studies courses cover chemical properties and interactions in more detail. Advanced chemistry topics include organic chemistry, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, macromolecules, kinetic theory, and nuclear chemistry.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
AP Chemistry	Following the curricula recommended by the College Board, AP Chemistry courses usually follow high school chemistry and second-year algebra. Concepts covered may include the structure of matter; bonding of intermolecular forces; chemical reactions; kinetics; thermodynamics; and chemical equilibrium. For each concept, these courses emphasize the development of scientific inquiry and reasoning skills, such as designing a plan for collecting data, analyzing data, applying mathematical routines, and connecting concepts in and across domains. AP Chemistry courses include college-level laboratory investigations.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
Physics	Physics courses involve the study of the forces and laws of nature affecting matter, such as equilibrium, motion, momentum, and the relationships between matter and energy. The study of physics includes examination of sound, light, and magnetic and electric phenomena.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
Physics-Advanced Studies	Usually taken after a comprehensive initial study of physics, Physics-Advanced Studies courses provide instruction in laws of conservation, thermodynamics, and kinetics; wave and particle phenomena; electromagnetic fields; and fluid dynamics.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
Principles of Technology	Principles of Technology courses focus on the study of the forces and laws of nature and their application to modern technology. Equilibrium, motion, momentum, energy conversion, electromagnetism, and optical phenomena are presented in the context of current, real-world applications. Demonstrations, math labs, and applied laboratory experiments are an integral part of the Principles of Technology curriculum. These courses enable students to gain a solid foundation for careers in electronics, robotics, telecommunications, and other technological fields.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
AP Physics C	AP Physics C courses prepare students for the College Board’s examinations in Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism and Physics C: Mechanics. These courses parallel college-level physics courses that serve as a partial foundation for science or engineering majors and primarily focus on mechanics and electricity and magnetism, with approximately equal emphasis placed on these two areas. See SCED Codes 03163 and 03164 for detailed content descriptions.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism	Designed by the College Board to parallel college-level physics courses that serve as a partial foundation for science or engineering majors, AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism courses focus on electricity and magnetism, including topics such as electrostatics; conductors, capacitors, and dielectrics; electric circuits; magnetic fields; and electromagnetism. AP Physics C courses require the use of calculus to solve the problems posed.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
AP Physics C: Mechanics	Designed by the College Board to parallel college-level physics courses that serve as a partial foundation for science or engineering majors, AP Physics C: Mechanics courses focus on classical mechanics, including topics in kinematics; Newton's laws of motion; work, energy, and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation; oscillations; and gravitation. AP Physics C courses require the use of calculus to solve the problems posed.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
AP Physics 1	Designed by the College Board to parallel first-semester college-level courses in algebra-based physics, AP Physics 1 courses focus on Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory circuits. These courses may also include college-level laboratory investigations.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
AP Physics 2	Designed by the College Board to parallel second-semester college-level courses in algebra-based physics, AP Physics 2 courses cover fluid statics and dynamics; thermodynamics with kinetic theory, PV diagrams and probability; electrostatics; electrical circuits with capacitors; magnetic fields; electromagnetism; physical and geometric optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics. These courses may also include college-level laboratory investigations.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
Applied Biology/Chemistry	Applied Biology/Chemistry courses integrate biology and chemistry into a unified domain of study and present the resulting body of knowledge in the context of work, home, society, and the environment, emphasizing field and laboratory activities. Topics include natural resources, water, air and other gases, nutrition, disease and wellness, plant growth and reproduction, life processes, microorganisms, synthetic materials, waste and waste management, and the community of life.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
Science Technology/Engineering	Science Technology/Engineering courses offer the opportunity to approach practical, technological problems and to use scientific, experimental skills and processes to reach solutions. Students may use a theoretical framework or may develop prototypes and working models.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
Principles of Engineering	Principles of Engineering courses provide students with an understanding of the engineering/technology field. Students typically explore how engineers use various technology systems and manufacturing processes to solve problems; they may also gain an appreciation of the social and political consequences of technological change.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
Engineering-Comprehensive	Engineering-Comprehensive courses introduce students to and expand their knowledge of major engineering concepts such as modeling, systems, design, optimization, technology-society interaction, and ethics. Particular topics may include applied engineering graphic systems, communicating technical information, engineering design principles, material science, research and development processes, and manufacturing techniques and systems. The courses may also cover the opportunities and challenges in various branches of engineering.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
Early U.S. History	Early U.S. History courses examine the history of the United States from the colonial period to the Civil War or Reconstruction era (some courses end after this period). Some courses include American history before European settlement, while others may begin at the formation of the new nation. These courses typically include a historical overview of political, military, scientific, and social developments.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
Modern U.S. History	Modern U.S. History courses examine the history of the United States from the Civil War or Reconstruction era (some courses begin at a later period) through the present time. These courses typically include a historical review of political, military, scientific, and social developments.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
AP U.S. History	Following the College Board’s suggested curriculum designed to parallel college-level U.S. History courses, AP U.S. History courses provide students with the analytical skills and factual knowledge necessary to address critically problems and materials in U.S. history. Students learn to assess historical materials and to weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship. The course examines the discovery and settlement of the New World through the recent past.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
State-Specific Studies	State-Specific Studies courses examine the history, politics, economics, society, and/or cultures of one state in the United States. This course may focus primarily on the history of that state or may take an interdisciplinary approach to the contemporary issues affecting it.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
Particular Topics in U.S. History	These courses examine a particular topic in U.S. History, such as particular time periods in the history of the United States, or they may focus on the history of particular U.S. regions rather than provide an overview of the subject.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy
United States and World Affairs	United States and World Affairs courses provide a study of global interrelationships. Topics covered may include geographic, political, economic, and social issues of a particular country or region, with an emphasis on how these issues influence (or are influenced by) the way in which the United States relates to other countries in an interdependent world context.	Satisfactory completion of coursework and attainment of full course credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy

Additional Considerations

Students with Disabilities

The Hampden-Wilbraham Regional Schools 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 Hampden-Wilbraham Regional Schools 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 The Hampden-Wilbrahm Regional Schools 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:

A competency determination appeal on behalf of a student enrolled in the district, including a student attending an approved special education day or residential school, may be filed by the parent/guardian or student 18 years of age or older to the Minnechaug Regional High School principal. If the appeal concerns possible mis-scoring of test items or miscalculation of grades used to make the competency determination, the appellant shall submit a rationale for the request to re-score the student’s responses or recalculate the student's grade.

The appeal must be filed no later than 60 days after the student receives the assessment results for a course that satisfies the competency determination..

If the appeal is based on the belief that the student has demonstrated mastery of the required skills, competencies, and knowledge through an alternative measure, despite not having done so through the standard coursework or final assessment, the appellant shall submit evidence having mastered the required skills and competencies. Such evidence may include, but not be limited to, continuous enrollment in courses aligned with the competency determination coursework requirement, performance in other courses not offered by the school (i.e. dual enrollment courses), and or passing scores on MCAS, provided that an appeal may not be awarded solely on the basis of a qualifying MCAS score.

Those enrolled in The Hampden-Wilbrahm Regional School District in the classes of 2003 through 2024 that did not earn a diploma may also appeal the decision through the same process.

LEGAL REFS: