Graduation Requirements & Competency
The Brockton School Committee has created new graduation requirements and competency determination policies for the class of 2026 and later. Both of these polices are below and can be translated using the translation feature on the top right of this page for computer browsers, or in your phone's settings for mobile users.
Graduation Requirements
Section 1. Purpose and Authority
The purpose of this policy is to establish the standards and criteria by which students enrolled in Brockton Public Schools earn a high school diploma. It ensures graduates meet both local graduation requirements and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) standards for Competency Determination (CD see policy IKF-CD).
This policy aligns with the requirements of 603 CMR 30.00 and the state’s Graduation and Competency Determination Guidance (2025) and the state’s MassCore and Technical Education (CTE) frameworks.
Section 2. Graduation Requirements
To qualify for a Brockton Public Schools diploma, students must satisfactorily complete the following program
of student and demonstrate mastery consistent with the district’s Competency Determination policy.
| Subject Area | Credits/Course Requirements |
| English Language Arts/English Literature | Four years or unit equivalent |
| Mathematics | Four years or unit equivalent including Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II or Math I, Math II, and Math III |
| Science | Three years of lab-based science or unit equivalent |
| History/Social Science | Three Years or unit equivalent, including U.S. History, World History/Geography |
| World Language* | Two years or unit equivalent of the same language or substitute (see Section 4 Alternatives to World Language Requirement) |
| Arts | One year or unit equivalent |
| Physical Education/Health | Four years or unit equivalent |
Section 3. English Learners (ELs)
Students enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) courses may earn English Language Arts (ELA) credits toward graduation when courses align with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks for English Language Arts and Literacy. Additionally, ESL or heritage language courses may count as World Language credits when aligned with the Massachusetts World Languages Curriculum Framework. Credit determinations will follow district guidelines approved by the Office of Bilingual Education and DESE Policy on credit equivalency.
Section 4. Alternatives to the World Language Requirement
Students with documented language-based or other disabilities whose Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan identifies significant barriers to completing two years of World Language may, with team approval, substitute two standards-based academic electives, or Career and Technical Education (CTE) coursework, in place of the World Language requirement. Students enrolled in state approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs have the option of opting out of world language and still fulfill MassCore. American Sign Language (ASL) may also be used to satisfy the World Language expectation, and students demonstrating proficiency in a home or heritage language may earn equivalent credit through district-approved assessments or the Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy. These flexible pathways ensure equitable access to graduation while maintaining the rigor and intent of the MassCore program of study.
Section 5. Competency Determination (Policy IKFE)
In accordance with 603 CMR 30/00, students must demonstrate mastery and earn Competency Determination (CD) by satisfactorily completing coursework in English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, Science and History (beginning with the class of 2027)
Section 6. Alignment with MassCore
The Brockton Public Schools graduation program aligns with the DESE-recommended MassCore program of study. MassCore includes four units of ELA, four units of Mathematics, three units of Lab Science, three units of History/Social Science, two units of the same World Language, one unit of Arts, and additional core electives. A Computer Science course aligned to the Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Framework may substitute for one Mathematics or one Lab Science unit where applicable. Students enrolled in state approved CTE programs may opt out of the World language and Art requirements.
Section 7. Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathways
The Brockton Public Schools recognize approved Chapter 74 and Perkins-funded Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs as pathways. Students enrolled in CTE programs satisfy graduation requirements through integrated academic and technical coursework aligned to state frameworks and industry standards. Successful completion of a Chapter 74–approved CTE program counts toward applicable subject-area credit requirements and fulfills the district’s Competency Determination (CD) expectations when mastery is demonstrated through both academic and technical performance evidence.
Section 8. Additional Requirements
Other requirements may be established by the school administration in relation to a particular program; otherwise, the additional credits needed for graduation may be selected from among elective courses. For the total number of credits required, please see the high school program of studies or student handbook.
Section 9. Certificate of Attainment
Students who meet all local Brockton Public Schools’ graduation requirements but do not meet the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) requirements for earning a Competency Determination (CD) may be eligible to receive a Certificate of Attainment.
The Certificate of Attainment is awarded in accordance with 603 CMR 30.00 and DESE Graduation and Competency Determination Guidance. The Brockton Public Schools’ Certificate of Attainment recognizes that the student has completed all coursework, school activities, and services aligned to their targeted educational program, but has not fulfilled Brockton Public Schools’ specific credit and competency requirements that are necessary to earn a Massachusetts high school diploma.
Section 10. References
M.G.L. 69:1D
IDEA (20 U.S.C. §1400 et seq.)
M.G.L. c.71B and 603 CMR 28.00 (Special Education) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
G.L. c.71A, 603 CMR 14.00 and 31.00 (English Learners)
603 CMR 4.00 (Vocational Technical Education)
603 CMR 30.00 (Competency Determination) DESE Graduation and MassCore Guidance (2025) DESE English Learner Education Guidelines
Competency Determination
Section 1. Purpose and Authority
In accordance with the Massachusetts Education Reform Act of 1993 (G.L. c.69, §1D) and 603 CMR 30.00, the Brockton Public Schools establishes this policy to define local standards for awarding a Competency Determination (CD) beginning with the Class of 2026.
This policy ensures alignment with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and DESE guidance and identifies the local pathways by which students demonstrate mastery in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and U.S. History/Social Science (for Class of 2027 and beyond).
Section 2. Applicability
• Students in the Class of 2026 who have already earned a CD through MCAS prior to January 3, 2025, will retain their existing status.
• Students who have not met the CD standard by that date—and all students in subsequent graduating classes—must satisfy the local competency determination established herein
Section 3. Competency Standards by Subject
| Subject | Local CD Requirements | Aligned Assessment Evidence |
|
English Language Arts
(ELA)
|
Completion of at least two full-year high school courses in ELA or English Literature | Writing portfolios, comprehension tasks, oral presentations, and rubric-based evaluations |
| Mathematics | Completion of full year courses of Integrated Math I & II or Algebra I & Geometry (Grade 8 Algebra may count if aligned to MA Frameworks) | Performance tasks, end-of-course exams, capstone projects, and rubric-based evaluation |
| Science | Completion of one full-year lab-based science course (Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Tech/Engineering, or Environmental Science) | Lab performance, experimental design projects, and rubric-based assessments |
|
U.S. History/Social Science
*(2027 Requirement)
|
Completion of one full-year U.S. History course aligned to the Massachusetts Curriculum Framework for History and Social Science. | Written essays, debates, projects, or end-of-course assessments, completion of a civic project |
*Beginning with the Class of 2027, students must demonstrate competency in United States (U.S.) History through successful completion of a full-year course aligned to the Massachusetts Curriculum Framework for History and Social Science. This requirement is in addition to the existing Competency Determination requirements in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science described in Section 3.
Section 3a. Limited-Circumstance Pathway
If BPS cannot document a student’s prior coursework, the student may meet the Competency Determination by (i) achieving a qualifying “Meeting or Exceeding Expectations” score on the appropriate high-school assessments or (ii) meeting a district-certified substituted equivalent that satisfies the same academic standards.
Section 4. Definitions
• Satisfactorily Complete: Earned credit with a passing grade in a course aligned to the MA Curriculum Frameworks and certified by the district.
• Mastery: Demonstrated competency through valid assessments, projects, and tasks aligned to the Framework standards.
• High School Level: Curriculum aligned with Grades 9-12 Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks standards.
• Early High School Coursework: Grade 8 Algebra may satisfy a high school math requirement upon district verification of alignment and mastery.
Section 5. Transfer Students
In-State Transfers:
BPS will honor a student’s previously earned local Competency Determination if it aligns with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.
Out-of-State/International Transfers:
Transcript evaluations will determine whether students meet the local CD criteria or require additional coursework prior to graduation.
The Brockton Public Schools will maintain documentation of all transfer determinations as part of each student’s cumulative file for DESE audit purposes.
Section 6. Graduation and Certification of Competency
To be awarded a Brockton Public Schools diploma, a student must:
• Demonstrate competency in all CD subject areas pursuant to 603 CMR 30.03;
• Complete all additional district credit and course requirements; and
• Fulfill community service or civic engagement expectations as outlined by their school’s Course of
Study Guide.
• Students who have previously received a Certificate of Attainment may request a transcript re-evaluation to determine if they now meet competency standards.
Section 7. Appeals Procedure
A student or guardian may file a written appeal if the CD standard has not been met. Appeals must be submitted no later than 60 days before graduation, after all required course work is complete.
In addition, former students who previously received a Certificate of Attainment may request re-evaluation of their transcript to determine if they now meet the local Competency Determination criteria outlined in this policy. Upon verification, such individuals shall be reclassified as graduates.
Review Process:
• Within 10 days of receipt, the appeal is assigned to a review panel
• Within 50 days of submission, the panel completes the review of transcript and supporting documents
• The student is notified in writing of the decision
• If approved, graduation eligibility is updated and recorded
• If denied, written notification is sent
• The panel’s decision is final. Records of appeals are retained in the office of the Deputy Superintendent
for audit purposes
Section 8. Students with Disabilities and English Learners Students with Disabilities
The Brockton Public 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 by the Brockton Public Schools 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 Brockton Public 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.
Section 9. Publication and Accessibility
This policy and all translated versions shall be posted publicly on the Brockton Public Schools website under the “Policies and Procedures” section. Translated copies are available through the website’s language translation feature. Hard copies are available on request to the Office of the Deputy Superintendent.
Section 10. Legal References
This policy does not alter or limit any rights protected under:
IDEA (20 U.S.C. §1400 et seq.)
M.G.L. c.71B and 603 CMR 28.00 (Special Education) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
G.L. c.71A, 603 CMR 14.00 and 31.00 (English Learners)
M.G.L. c.69 §§1B, 1D and 603 CMR 30.00 St. 2003, c.140, §119