Weymouth School Committee Approves New Graduation Requirements for Class of 2025
MCAS Passing No Longer Mandatory for Competency Determination
WEYMOUTH - February 6 - The Weymouth School Committee has approved updated graduation requirements for the class of 2025, replacing the MCAS tests with course completion as a competency determination for students who haven't passed MCAS.
Superintendent Melanie Curtin presented the changes at the Feb. 6 meeting, explaining that the new requirements apply to students who have not passed MCAS tests.
"We are looking tonight for the approval by the school committee to kind of put in the books for the graduation class of 2025 as we start to eliminate MCAS as the graduation requirement," Curtin said.
The updated requirements maintain the existing 22 credits, including completion of all core and non-core subject areas, and 40 hours of community service. For competency determination, students must either pass the English Language Arts MCAS or successfully complete ELA one and two coursework.
In mathematics, students need to pass the MCAS math test or successfully complete algebra and geometry coursework. For science, technology, and engineering, passing the MCAS STE or successful completion of biology or concepts of biology coursework is required.
The committee unanimously approved the new requirements, which align with recent changes in state law regarding MCAS and graduation.
In addition to the graduation requirements, the committee also approved updates to the Weymouth High School Program of Studies for the upcoming academic year.
Karen Monahan, the High School Principal, presented several changes to the program, including updates to course descriptions and offerings. Notable additions include a new personal finance requirement and clarifications on course eligibility.
"On page 69, there was a recommendation to, we talked about adding that skills component to the perspectives in literature and that we also changed the title to add that skills component of the writing. So, very straightforward, it is now perspectives in literature and writing," Monahan explained.
The updated program also clarifies that the English four skills for college and career growth class is open to all students, not just those in career and technical education programs.
"It is specific to all students. It is not just for CTE students. It's to help support all students building those interpersonal communication skills for various pathways," Monahan said.
Other changes include updates to science electives, specifying they are open to grades 11 and 12, and moving certain special education classes to their respective subject departments.
Committee Vice Chair Rebecca Sherlock-Shangraw praised the changes, particularly the personal finance requirement. "The feedback I've gotten from the community about the personal finance requirement has been extraordinary. One of the most popular things I think we've heard," Sherlock-Shangraw said.
The committee combined the second and third readings of the program of studies, approving it in a single vote.
In other business, Superintendent Curtin presented a draft of the 2025-2026 school year calendar. The proposed calendar maintains the current structure for the start of the school year, with professional development days for staff on Sept. 2 and 3, followed by the first day of school for grades one through six on Sept. 4.
Sixth and ninth graders would start on Sept. 5, with the rest of the students joining on Sept. 8. Pre-K and kindergarten would begin on Sept. 8.
Curtin noted that Sept. 16 is marked as a potential local primary day, which could become a no-school day if needed. The last day of school, including five snow days, is tentatively set for June 26, 2026.
The committee will vote on the proposed calendar at its next meeting. Community members are encouraged to review the draft calendar on the school district's website and provide feedback before the next meeting.