The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE, formerly known as the DOE) requires graduating students to have passed:
One of the Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Technology/Engineering, Introduction to Physics) with a 220 or higher.
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But the standard for graduation for English/Language Arts and Mathematics is Proficiency – 240. Students who pass with a score of 240 or above in these content areas have met their MCAS requirement.
Recognizing that many students may have difficulty reaching 240, but are able to pass the MCAS tests with a score of 220-238, the DESE put into place a process called the EPP in ELA and Math. The following information is designed to provide a brief outline of this process.
For those who score 220 -238 (Needs Improvement Performance Level) in ELA and Math an EPP (Educational Proficiency Plan) is written. This plan lists courses to be taken until graduation. In addition, students must take an annual test to verify they are making progress towards the 240 standard. This plan is typically reviewed each year at the IEP meeting.
Students who scored 220-238 may choose to take the ELA MCAS retest in March to meet the 240 standard. If students should receive a lower score than previously earned, the higher score remains as the official MCAS score. Students who have passed at this level are not required to take the retest and reach 240. Meeting their EPP is all that is required.
All students are now required by LPS to take Mid-Terms and Finals each year until they graduate. These tests qualify as tests of progress for an EPP. As long as students pass these tests, they are eligible to receive a diploma.
No retest in Math is offered to students who have scored between 220-238. They must rely on their EPP to graduate.
Those who score below 220 may continue taking MCAS. Retests are offered twice a year- November and March. Students may choose to take them each time they are offered or take them just once a year, at either time. Choosing to delay taking retests does not affect your ability to take them the next time retests are offered.
Science Requirements: Students need to pass with a score of 220 or above to meet state graduation requirements, not 240 or above (Proficient) as in ELA and Math. Those who have passed do not need an EPP in Science. Biology will be offered in February while Biology, Technology/Engineering, and Introduction to Physics will be offered in June.
Students who do not meet MCAS testing requirements but have met all other graduation requirements receive a Certificate of Completion. Students who choose to take a Certificate of Completion instead of a diploma may decide to discontinue taking MCAS tests. They must still take course mid-terms and finals.
