Overview: The Methuen School Committee meeting on January 13, 2025, was dominated by discussions on the evolving graduation requirements for the Class of 2025. With the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) indicating a shift away from relying solely on the MCAS test scores, the committee faces the challenge of defining new competency standards for students. Concerns were raised about ensuring that diplomas accurately reflect students’ capabilities, especially given the lack of clear guidance from the state.