Wayland School Committee adopts new high school graduation competency standard

WAYLAND -- March 12, 2025, Wayland School Committee unanimously adopts course-based competency standard to replace MCAS graduation requirement. Assistant Superintendent Betsy Gavron and High School Principal Allison presented the plan, which requires students to pass English 9 and 10, geometry, Algebra 2, and either biology or physics, with portfolio and credit-recovery alternatives for students who fall short. Gavron noted Wayland chose Algebra 2 over Algebra 1, the benchmark used by most peer districts, because math leaders "really felt like Algebra 2 was where we wanted to be." Academic Support Coordinator Amy Lima reported the center now serves 105 students, 13 percent of the high school, including 47 ninth-graders and 97 percent of eligible Metco students at some point in their careers. The committee also approved next year's Super Wednesday professional development calendar over objections about dates immediately following vacation weeks, and will hold a budget hearing March 26 at 6 p.m.