HIGH SCHOOL DETERMINATION POLICY
Section 1: Competency Determination (CD) Requirements
Students who met the CD requirement 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.
Classes of 2026 and 2027
Students in the Classes of 2026 and 2027 who did not earn the CD in English language arts, mathematics, and/or science prior to January 3, 2025 are able to meet the CD requirements through successful completion of the coursework requirements outlined in this policy.
Classes for 2028 and Beyond
Students in the Classes of 2028 and beyond who did not earn the CD in English language arts, mathematics, and/or science prior to January 3, 2025 are able to meet the CD requirements through successful completion of the coursework requirements and mastery demonstration as outlined in this policy.
General Requirements
Satisfactorily completing coursework: A student earns full credit in accordance with the district’s grading policy when they achieve a passing grade of 60 or higher as defined by the district’s grading scale.
Showing mastery: A student shows mastery in accordance with the district’s grading policy through one of the course-alike district-determined measures identified below:
1. A final assessment for a course with a passing grade
2. A capstone or portfolio project
3. A performance-based assessment
English Language Arts
Coursework Requirements: Students must satisfactorily complete coursework in the equivalent of two years of high school English language arts courses. Local course offerings that meet this requirement include:
● English 9 (College Prep or Honors)
● Standard English 9
● World Studies (College Prep or Honors)
● English 10 (College Prep or Honors)
● Standard English 10
● AP Seminar
● English Language I
● English Language II
● English Language III
Mastery Demonstration: A student shows mastery in English language arts in accordance with the district’s grading policy through one of the course-alike district-determined measures identified below:
● A final assessment for a course with a passing grade
● A capstone or portfolio project
● A performance-based assessment
Mathematics
Coursework Requirements: Students must satisfactorily complete the coursework in the equivalent of one year of both Algebra I and Geometry. Local course offerings that meet this requirement include:
● Algebra I (College Prep or Honors)
● Standard Algebra I
● Algebra I as embedded within the middle school Accelerated Math Program
● Geometry (College Prep or Honors)
● Standard Geometry
● Enriched Geometry
Mastery Demonstration: A student shows mastery in Mathematics in accordance with the district’s grading policy through one of the course-alike district-determined measures identified below:
● A final assessment for a course with a passing grade
● A capstone or portfolio project
● A performance-based assessment
Science
Course Requirements: Students must satisfactorily complete coursework in the equivalent of one year of Physics or Biology. Local course offerings that meet this requirement include:
● Physical Science (College Prep or Honors)
● Standard Physical Science
● Biology (College Prep or Honors)
● Life Science
Mastery Demonstration: A student shows mastery in Science in accordance with the district’s grading policy through one of the course-alike district-determined measures identified below:
● A final assessment for a course with a passing grade
● A capstone or portfolio project
● A performance-based assessment
U.S. History (Beginning with the Class of 2027)
Coursework Requirements: Students must satisfactorily complete coursework in the equivalent of a one-year U.S. History course. Local course offerings that meet this requirement include:
● United States History II (College Prep or Honors)
● Standard United States History II
● AP US History
Mastery Demonstration: A student shows mastery in U.S. History in accordance with the district’s grading policy through one of the course-alike district-determined measures identified below:
● A final assessment for a course with a passing grade
● A capstone or portfolio project
● A performance-based assessment
Section 2: Additional Requirements
Andover Public Schools does not have any additional requirements of the Competency Determination policy in addition to those outlined in Section 1.
Section 3: Additional Considerations for Students with Disabilities:
Andover Public Schools provides students with disabilities equal opportunity to meet the CD requirements through:
● Accommodations and modifications provided based on individual IEP requirements
● Ongoing assessment of progress toward personalized learning goals
● Students receiving a publicly funded education in an out-of-district day or residential school satisfactorily complete coursework and demonstrate mastery as determined by the out-of-district day or residential school in classes that correlate to meet APS requirements.
English Learners: Andover Public Schools provides English learners equal opportunity to meet the CD requirements through:
● Specialized supports and accommodations as needed
● English as a Second Language (ESL) courses integrate grade-appropriate ELA standards and meet ELA coursework requirements for eligible students
● Determination of ESL course eligibility based on individual student language proficiency levels
● Ongoing assessment of progress toward English proficiency alongside academic content mastery
A CD Review Committee will evaluate Competency Determinations for late-enrolling students, appeals, and diploma requests for previously enrolled students. The CD Review Committee shall consist of the High School Principal, Guidance and Student Supports Program Coordinator, and any additional relevant staff.
Late-Enrolling Students
The CD Review Committee evaluates eligibility for Competency Determination among late-enrolling students through any combination of the following:
● Comprehensive transcript review to determine previously completed coursework
● Opportunities to complete missing requirements
● In limited cases, qualifying MCAS score exceptions may be considered
● Evaluation of course length, relevant coursework, and demonstration of mastery
Section 4: Appeals Process
Students, families/guardians, or school personnel may appeal a district’s determination regarding Competency Determination through the following process:
1. Initial Appeal: Submit written appeal to the principal within 10 school days of notification
2. Review Meeting: Meeting with the CD Review Committee within 15 school days of appeal submission
3. Evidence Review: Comprehensive review of student’s assessment records, academic performance, and additional evidence including, but not limited to:
a. External assessments
b. Special projects
c. Extra credit work
d. Alternative demonstration methods
4. Decision Communication: Written decision provided within 10 school days of review meeting
5. Final Appeal: If unsatisfied, appeal may be made to the Superintendent within 10 school days
6. Timeline: Total appeals process completed within 45 school days of initial appeal
Section 5: Diploma Request Process for Previously Enrolled Students
Andover Public Schools provides the following process for eligible students in the classes of 2003-2024 who did not earn a diploma due to failing to meet the state’s CD requirement:
1. Initial Request: For previously enrolled, eligible students:
a. Submit a written request to the Principal’s office
b. Provide a transcript and documentation of previous enrollment
c. Provide a signed verification that they have not earned a comparable diploma elsewhere
2. Eligibility Determination: Within 15 school days of the initial request, the CD Review Committee will determine if a previously enrolled student is eligible for review if the student was:
a. Previously enrolled at Andover High School
b. Previously met all other graduation requirements of their class
c. Not previously reported as a graduate in any district’s SIMS submission
3. Evidence Review: The CD Review Committee will conduct a comprehensive review within 30 school days of the request. The committee will evaluate the documentation provided against current CD requirements and determine if any additional requirements are needed.
4. Decision Communication: The CD Review Committee will provide:
a. A written decision within 15 school days of the evidence review meeting
b. Clear explanation of determination and any additional requirements
c. Information about next steps and support available
5. Timeline: Total review process completed within 60 school days of initial request
Section 6: Certifications
This Competency Determination policy has been approved by the Andover School Committee as the governing board of the district.
This Competency Determination policy has been shared with all students, families/guardians, and district stakeholders.
This Competency Determination policy has been made publicly available in multiple languages. This Competency Determination policy is posted on the Andover Public Schools website at: https://www.aps1.net/page/graduation-competency-determination.