Seekonk Schools May Approve New Graduation Requirements

The Seekonk School Committee approved the first read of a policy which would change the graduation requirements for high school seniors.

Superintendent Rebecca Kidwell said the state’s timeline for the policy change is June 2026.

This came about due to voters approving a measure in November 2024 which stated that MCAS exams could no longer be used as a competency determination for high school graduation.

“The passing of the ballot question left a void,” Kidwell said at the December 8 meeting. “The specific requirements that the state wants to put in place related to competency determination indicate that the policy should just be coming from the state level. But instead, because we believe in local control, every school committee will be passing a policy around this. The policies will be almost identical.”

The revised policy states: “In order to receive a diploma, the student must earn 125 credits and successfully complete the following courses, adhere to the attendance policy, and attain a competency determination.”

The courses include English 9 and 10, Algebra 1 and Geometry, one of Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. Beginning with the Class of 2027, U.S. History 1 or Advanced Placement U.S. History.

“In addition, the student is expected to take the minimum 35 credits a year, except for AP lab participants, that is at the discretion of the administration.

Students must complete 40 hours of community service. In order to attain a competency determination, students must complete and pass the courses/subjects listed below as well as the final exam for each course. The state is requiring us to insure that students demonstrate mastery in the course through a project portfolio or exam. Since we are a district that gives exams, we would recommend holding the passing exam score as evidence of mastery. In this district, 65 is a passing grade both for the course and the exam,” Kidwell added.