On November 17, the Holyoke School Committee voted to approve a new competency determination policy (follow this link for Spanish) that lists the steps students must take to earn a high school diploma from Holyoke Public Schools, in combination with other graduation requirements.
“Please keep in mind that Massachusetts graduation requirements may continue to change in future years,” said HPS Executive Director Of Academics Rebecca Thompson. On December 1, Governor Maura Healey's K-12 Statewide Graduation Council released a Statewide High School Graduation Framework that includes a number of graduation requirement recommendations. A final report is expected in June 2026, Ms. Thompson said.
Under Holyoke Public Schools’ new competency determination policy, students must meet two sets of criteria to earn a high school diploma from Holyoke Public Schools:
The Massachusetts Competency Determination (CD) requirements, as outlined by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and adapted for local implementation.
Graduation requirements that are specific to each high school campus (Holyoke High School North, Holyoke High School Dean Technical High School, or Holyoke High School’s Opportunity Academy). More information about these requirements is provided in the competency determination policy.
“These criteria are separate but equally important,” Ms. Thompson said. “While the Massachusetts Competency Determination ensures students have demonstrated mastery in core academic areas through both coursework and passing grades, the HPS graduation requirements include additional credit and course expectations that reflect the broader educational goals of each high school campus. In addition, the policy outlines important considerations for specific student populations, including students with disabilities, English learners (ELs), and late-enrolling students, including students who recently arrived in the United States or transferred to Holyoke from other school systems.”
Starting with the Class of 2026, HPS students must demonstrate mastery of the state standards and obtain a passing grade of 60 or higher in specific high school-level courses to meet graduation requirements:
Two years of English Language Arts (ELA),
One year of Algebra I AND one year of Geometry (or Integrated Math I and II), and
One year of a science, technology, engineering, or applied STEM course.
HPS students in the Class of 2027 and beyond will also be required to complete one year of U.S. History coursework.
“This updated approach reinforces the belief that successful completion of rigorous, standards-aligned coursework is a more comprehensive measure of student readiness than standardized testing alone,” said Interim Superintendent Anthony Soto. “It reflects our district’s commitment to equitable, high-quality learning experiences that prepare students for the future, while affirming the importance of both academic achievement and high-quality instruction informed by data.”
With the competency determination policy now in place, the district’s next priority is to review the transcripts of current juniors and seniors and provide support to all students to ensure they will successfully pass all required classes.
“We are committed to supporting students, families, and educators through this important transition, ensuring that every student is equipped to meet and exceed our learning expectations,” Mr. Soto said. “If you have questions or need additional information, please contact your school counselor or building administrator.”
Background information
In previous years, students were required to take and pass a series of Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) exams, but those requirements were rescinded when Massachusetts residents approved a ballot initiative in November 2024 that removed MCAS as a graduation requirement. While MCAS exams are no longer a graduation requirement, we will continue to help our students prepare for them, because taking these tests provides a number of benefits to our students, now and in the future.
In July, DESE released updated guidance requiring school districts to create a replacement competency determination. Over the next several months, we researched and developed the district’s competency determination policy, with the support of district and school leaders, instructional coaches, teachers, department heads, and most importantly, student representatives. Our recently approved policy is aligned with the DESE’s guidance, with an emphasis on the completion of meaningful, standards-based coursework as a pathway to graduation.