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IKF - Graduation Requirements

DUDLEY-CHARLTON REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

POLICY - IKF

Graduation Requirements

To graduate from the Dudley-Charlton Regional School District, students must fulfill the credit requirements established in the Shepherd Hill Regional High School (SHRHS) Program of Studies and meet all applicable state accountability requirements, including the Competency Determination (CD).

Competency Determination
The Competency Determination consists of the following two requirements:
  1. Demonstration of mastery of academic skills in English language arts, mathematics, and science.
  2. Satisfactory completion of coursework aligned to the academic standards measured by the Massachusetts high school MCAS assessments in English language arts, mathematics, and science.
Coursework and Credit Requirements
To meet graduation and CD requirements, students must satisfactorily complete coursework in accordance with the district’s grading policy and the credit structure outlined below.

Credits toward graduation are awarded based on successful completion of coursework. A full-year course constitutes one (1.0) credit toward graduation. A semester or half-year course constitutes one-half (0.5) credit toward graduation.

To be eligible for graduation from Shepherd Hill Regional High School, students must earn a minimum of twenty-two  (22) total credits, inclusive of all required and elective coursework. To meet CD requirements, students must satisfactorily complete the following coursework:

English Language Arts
Equivalent of two (2) years of high school English language arts coursework. Courses must be completed in grades 9 through 12.
 
Mathematics
Equivalent of one (1) year of Algebra I and one (1) year of Geometry, or Integrated Mathematics I and II. Middle school coursework may be certified when aligned to high school standards.
 
Science
Equivalent of one (1) year of Biology, Physics, Chemistry, or Technology/Engineering. Coursework must be completed in grades 9 through 12.
 
United States History (beginning with the Class of 2027)
Equivalent of one (1) year of United States history. Coursework must be completed in grades 9 through 12.
 

The specific distribution of required credits by subject area, elective options, and any program-specific requirements is detailed in the Shepherd Hill Regional High School Program of Studies, which is reviewed and approved annually by the School Committee. Students and families are expected to consult the Program of Studies for comprehensive and current graduation information.

Demonstration of Mastery
To demonstrate mastery in each required subject area, a student must successfully complete, in accordance with the district’s grading policy, at least one (1) of the following:
  • The final assessment for the course
  • A capstone or portfolio project
  • Another district-approved measure aligned to the applicable academic standards
Elective Credits and Additional Requirements
In addition to meeting CD requirements and the 22-credit graduation threshold, students must complete elective and program-specific requirements as outlined in the Program of Studies. Students are encouraged to select electives aligned with individual interests and postsecondary goals.
 
Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities must meet both local graduation requirements and CD requirements. Consistent with federal and state law, the district shall provide a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and ensure that IEP services support graduation planning. Students placed in out-of-district day or residential programs remain subject to the Dudley-Charlton Competency Determination policy.
 
English Learners
The district shall ensure that English learners have equitable access to coursework required for the Competency Determination. ESL coursework may be certified as meeting the English language arts requirement only for students at foundational English proficiency levels, defined as ACCESS Levels 1 and 2, when such coursework integrates grade-level English language arts and English language development standards with appropriate instructional supports.
 
Transfer and Late-Enrolling Students
Students enrolling in a Massachusetts public high school after grade 9 shall be afforded the opportunity to earn the Competency Determination. Eligibility shall be determined through one (1) or more of the following:
  • Review of the student’s transcript
  • Completion of additional coursework, as needed
  • In limited circumstances, attainment of a qualifying MCAS score or a district-certified equivalent

Exceptions shall be reviewed by a SHRHS committee consisting of the principal, a member of the Guidance Department, and the relevant Department Coordinator.

When prior coursework cannot be documented, a student may satisfy the CD requirement by either:

  • Achieving a score of Meeting Expectations or Exceeding Expectations on the applicable high school MCAS assessment
  • Demonstrating mastery through a district-certified equivalent aligned to the same academic standards

Use of this provision shall be documented and is subject to review or audit by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Appeals and Transcript Review
A student, parent, or guardian may appeal a decision regarding the awarding of a Competency Determination. Appeals shall be reviewed by the principal and a designated school-based committee, which may include a guidance counselor and the Special Education Coordinator. The review may include a transcript audit and other evidence of mastery. Current or former students may also request a transcript review to verify completion of graduation and Competency Determination requirements.
 
LEGAL REFS.:

 

Original Adopted Date:
  March 26, 2025 
 
Amendment Date: 
   March 11, 2026