MARLBOROUGH – As of October, there were 276 students in Marlborough High School’s Class of 2023.
The goal come June is to make sure every one of them gets a diploma.
During the School Committee meeting on Oct. 11, Marlborough High School Principal Daniel Riley discussed what will be required of the Class of 2023 in order to graduate.
The past two senior classes did not take the MCAS due to the coronavirus pandemic, and instead, the classes fulfilled the graduation requirement with coursework.
This year’s senior class will be required to pass the MCAS for math and English Language Arts. The science requirement will be fulfilled with coursework.
In addition, students must earn a minimum of 96 credits. Their course requirements include four years of English, four years in math, three years of science and/or technology/ engineering, three years in history/social science, two years in world and classical languages, four half-years – or one semester per year – in wellness and one year – or two semesters or one year – in music and visual arts.
Students may also take a variety of elective courses.
Riley said the credit minimum will remain, but the high school “will review each student’s case” and may “offer leniency” if they’re close to fulfilling the requirement.
“COVID caused a lot of ‘one-off’ situations,” he said, adding that many students are “close to attainment.”
The high school does offer MCAS prep courses, but some students may not have time in their schedules. To that end, the high school is planning “acceleration academies” during school vacation periods.
According to Riley, students taking these four-day programs will work with teachers to better prepare for the MCAS.
“It will be all academic based,” he said.
Riley said that “students are doing a wonderful job” in making graduation requirements.
“I’m surprised at how many seniors have earned their credits,” he said.
Riley said he will return to the School Committee prior to winter break to provide an update.
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