Graduation Requirements

To receive a high school diploma, students must meet the Taunton Public Schools competency determination requirements, which are in addition to the graduation requirements.

As defined by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the "competency determination" shall be based on the academic standards and curriculum frameworks for tenth graders and shall represent a determination that a particular student has demonstrated mastery of a common core of skills, competencies and knowledge in these areas, by satisfactorily completing coursework that has been certified by the student's district as showing mastery of the skills, competencies, and knowledge contained in the state academic standards and curriculum frameworks in the areas measured by the MCAS high school tests described in section one I administered in 2023, and in any additional areas determined by the board.

Students who have previously earned a Competency Determination (CD) through a regular or retest administration of the MCAS (including the November 2024 retest) or through a DESE appeal process have earned their competency determination.

The Taunton School Committee approved the requirements below on April 2, 2025.

Class of 2025 Competency Determination for Graduation

For The Class of 2025 (Seniors)

Students in the Taunton Public Schools who have not yet earned their competency determination through previous MCAS administrations can meet the requirements for a competency determination through the following:

Receive a passing grade in Grade 10 English.
Receive a passing grade in Algebra I and Geometry.
Receive a passing grade in Biology.

For the Class of 2025, passing classes in credit recovery classes, such as summer school, will count toward earning the competency determination.

2 Years World Language Requirement

Effective starting the 2025-2026 school year for the Class of 2029, THS will have a 2-year world language graduation requirement (of the same language) for all students.

The reasons for this recommended change are as follows:

Learning a second language enhances students' ability to communicate and connect with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, a critical skill in an increasingly globalized world.
Many colleges and universities require or strongly recommend applicants to have studied a world language, often for at least two years.
MassCore, the recommended course offerings by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, includes the two-year World Language requirement.
Including a World Language study aligns with Massachusetts' participation in the Seal of Biliteracy program, which recognizes students who achieve proficiency in English and an additional language.
Multilingual proficiency is increasingly valued in the workforce, particularly in international business, healthcare, education, and public service fields.
Studies show that learning a second language improves cognitive abilities, such as problem-solving, memory, and critical thinking. It also enhances academic performance in other subjects, including math and reading.
World language education fosters cultural appreciation and awareness, helping students to understand and respect cultural diversity.
World language programs promote social and emotional growth.

3 Years of Lab-Based Science Requirement

Effective starting the 2025-2026 school year for the Class of 2030, THS will have a 3-year lab-based science graduation requirement for all students. Currently, we offer 3 years of science, but they do not need to be lab-based science courses.

Below are the key reasons for such a change:

Modern science education frameworks (Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)) emphasize hands-on, inquiry-based learning. Lab-based science encourages students to engage directly with scientific methods, fostering a deeper understanding of core concepts.
Lab work emphasizes practical application, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving skills, central to modern science education. Lab-based courses help students bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications, deepening their understanding of scientific principles.
Many colleges and universities prefer or require lab-based science courses for admission, especially in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs.
Lab-based experiences develop collaboration, technical, and analytical skills essential in science and technology careers.

Retroactive Diploma Request