Competency Determination Update by MA Board of Education, February 2022
The Competency Determination Update by MA Board of Elementary and Secondary Education outlines the requirements for high school graduation based on academic standards and curriculum frameworks. It discusses the assessment instruments, educational assistance plans, and historical timeline of milestones related to competency determination in Massachusetts.
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Competency Determination Update MA Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, February 15, 2022
Competency Determination (G.L. c.69, s.ID) (1) The competency determination shall be based on the academic standards and curriculum frameworks for tenth graders in the areas of mathematics, science and technology, history and social science, foreign languages, and English, and shall represent a determination that a particular student has demonstrated mastery of a common core of skills, competencies and knowledge in these areas, as measured by the assessment instruments described in section one I. Satisfaction of the requirements of the competency determination shall be a condition for high school graduation. If the particular student's assessment results for the tenth grade do not demonstrate the required level of competency, the student shall have the right to participate in the assessment program the following year or years. Students who fail to satisfy the requirements of the competency determination may be eligible to receive an educational assistance plan designed within the confines of the foundation budget to impart the skills, competencies and knowledge required to attain the required level of mastery . . . . 2 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Historical Timeline of the CD Milestones 1993 1998 Jan 2000 Competency Determination established by the Education Reform Act First MCAS tests given Initial CD standard adopted by the Board Students in the class of 2003 were required to score Needs Improvement (220) or higher on the grade 10 ELA and mathematics tests Grade 10 students take the first test with the CD in effect First graduating class held to the CD Revisions to the CD standard adopted Students in the class of 2010 required to: Pass one of the four high school science and technology/engineering tests Meet the requirements of an Educational Proficiency Plan (EPP) if they score below Proficient (240) on the ELA or math tests Board adopts interim standard for classes of 2021 and 2022 First administration of grade 10 next-generation tests in ELA and math 2001 2003 2006 Feb. 2018 Spring 2019 3 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Historical Timeline of the CD Milestones (continued) Winter 2020 April 2020- April 2021 Board extends interim standard to the class of 2023; advisory committee begins meeting Board takes a series of votes to allow students in certain classes to earn their CD through a modified process, in recognition of missed MCAS testing opportunities over the course of the pandemic. The modified CD is in effect for: Classes of 2020-2022 for ELA and mathematics Classes of 2020-2023 for STE Board extends interim CD standard to the classes of 2024 and 2025 Sept 2021 4 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Current CD Requirements for the Classes of 2024 and 2025 English language arts and mathematics o Equivalent of former 220 (Needs Improvement) on next-generation test and complete an EPP OR o Equivalent of former 240 (Proficient) Science and Technology/Engineering o 220 or next-gen equivalent (TBD following spring 2022 administration) There is no requirement in place yet for the class of 2026 (current 8thgraders). 5 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Interim Standard - Grade 10 ELA 100 13% 19% 90 Exceeding Exceeding 80 51% Advanced 70 % of students 48% Meeting 60 45% Meeting 50 40 40% 30 31% Partially Meeting Proficient 27% Partially Meeting 20 10 472 6% NI 9% Not Meeting 8% Not Meeting 455 + EPP 0 3% Failing 2018 Legacy Level 1 2019 Next Gen Level 2 2021 Next Gen Level 4 Level 3 6 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Interim Standard Grade 10 Mathematics 100 11% 13% Exceeding 90 Exceeding 80 51% Advanced 70 41% Meeting 45% Meeting 60 50 40 40% 36% Partially Meeting 31% Partially Meeting Proficient 30 486 20 14% Needs Improvement 10 469 + EPP 9% Not Meeting 12% Not Meeting 8% Failing 0 2018 Math Gr 10 Next Gen 2019 Level 2 Next Gen 2021 Level 4 Level 1 Level 3 7 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Educational Proficiency Plans (EPP) An EPP should be developed for any student who does not meet or exceed a minimum scaled score of 240 (or next-gen equivalent) on grade 10 ELA and/or Mathematics tests. STE is not part of the EPP requirement. Each EPP includes, at a minimum: a review of student's strengths and weaknesses, based on MCAS and other assessment results, coursework, grades, and teacher input courses the student will take and successfully complete in grades 11 and 12 a description of assessments the school will administer to determine whether the student is moving toward proficiency The EPP is not required for students in the classes of 2020 2022, who are eligible for the modified CD. It is required in school year 2021 2022 for students in subsequent classes. 8 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
MCAS scores reflect academic skills that pay off in the labor market There is substantial variation in earnings at each MCAS score point. MCAS scores explain about 13% of the variation in earnings. NOTE: We only observe in-state earnings reported to the UI system. This excludes self-employed individuals or those who work for the federal government or military. Living Wage from MIT estimates for two working parents with two children. Source: John Papay, Brown University; Presentation to the MA Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, January 2020 9 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
MCAS Retests and Appeals Ongoing and alternative opportunities for students to earn their CD, if they fail (or miss) their first attempt 1. Retests 2. Cohort appeals 3. Competency portfolio appeals Part of the MCAS program since the adoption of the CD in the early 2000s 10 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
MCAS Appeals: Options MCAS cohort appeal - Comparison of appellant s GPA to other students who took the same courses and passed the test in that subject. o Worksheet must include GPA and test scores of at least 6 other students. MCAS competency portfolio appeal - For students without a cohort, a competency portfolio of work samples may be submitted that documents the achievement of specific learning standards. o Schools may add work samples to the portfolio each time it is submitted. 11 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Additional pathways Transcript appeals for students who arrive in MA schools after final retest opportunity in grade 12. Students in military families who move to Massachusetts in high school. o Transcript of relevant courses taken in current and previous high schools o Standardized test scores (e.g., SAT, ACT, state high school assessment, state exit exam) o Completed cohort worksheet, if student has taken a high school MCAS test in the subject of the appeal and completed at least two quarters of a relevant course. o College acceptance letters, academic awards, scholarships 12 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Competency Determination Advisory Committee Composed of 18 educators, administrators, representatives from higher education, and other stakeholders; chaired by Dr. Dana Mohler-Faria Original committee: Met twice in winter 2020 before the pandemic Revived committee: Met three times in 2021-2022 (November, December, January) Charged with providing advice to the Commissioner to inform his recommendation to the Board on updates to policies and regulations related to the competency determination 13 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Summary of Considerations The evidence heard by the committee points to the importance of raising the CD standard beyond the current legacy-equivalent cuts. At the same time, the Commissioner and the Board must focus on providing support and resources to students and communicating this information clearly and broadly to students, parents, and educators by taking the following steps: o Creating clear and accurate messaging regarding MCAS achievement and the CD standard o Providing better/increased communication to schools, districts, parents, and students to raise awareness of pathways to the CD for students who do not meet the standard on their first attempt o Improving the implementation of the EPP and other supports for student learning o Promoting access and opportunity throughout the process of establishing a new standard (e.g., connecting to adult learner programs; continuing to consider the impact of the pandemic on students) 14 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Expected timeline for next steps February-June 2022 February 15 BESE meeting Initial discussion at BESE meeting Board discusses proposed changes to regulations and sends out for public comment March 22 BESE meeting April/May Public comment period; refine proposed regulations as needed June 28 BESE meeting Discussion and vote on revisions to regulations 15 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
