Raising Academic Standards: The Champion City Competency Standard
By Stephen Pina – Candidate for Brockton Ward 1 School Committee
Champion City Project — Pillar 1: Raising Academic Standards
In Brockton, a diploma should mean mastery, not mercy.
Why We Need to Raise the Bar
Brockton was once among Massachusetts’ best public school systems—known for pride, discipline, and results. Spending has climbed, but too many students still struggle with reading and math. We don’t have a money problem; we have a standards and management problem.
- Total school budget > $344M (FY26)
- State aid (Chapter 70) ~ 82% of funding
- Nearly half of students began 2024 below reading benchmarks; roughly 40% still below by spring
We need to change how we measure success and make sure every graduate earns a diploma that means something.
What Hanover Did—and Why It Matters
Hanover adopted a competency-based graduation policy: students must master key courses by the end of grade 10 (English 9/10, Algebra I, Geometry, one Science, and U.S. History for Class of 2027+). They paired higher expectations with smaller classes and clearer communication to families.
If a student struggles, they get extra help and a clear plan to get back on track — but the standard stays firm.
This change didn’t happen overnight. Hanover prepared by reducing class sizes (from 22 to 18 students per class) and aligning their courses to clear, measurable expectations.
What Hanover is doing makes sense.
But here’s the truth — Brockton can do it better.
The Champion City Competency Standard (CCCS)
A Brockton-built plan to restore high standards, real accountability, and parental trust.
The Champion City Competency Standard would guarantee that every Brockton student learns what they need to know before they graduate.
No more social promotion. No more confusion. No more empty diplomas.
Here’s what it would look like:
1) Core Academic Mastery (by end of Grade 10)
- English 9
- English 10
- Algebra I
- Geometry
- Two Sciences: Biology plus Chemistry or Physics
- U.S. History & Civics
Reading, writing, reasoning, science literacy, and civic knowledge—these are the foundations of a meaningful diploma.
2) Clear Benchmarks and Transparency
- Plain-English learning benchmarks for each course, published online
- Common end-of-course assessments and/or performance tasks
- Public rubrics so parents and students know what “mastery” means
3) Early Warnings and Real Help
- Competency Progress Report every semester from grade 9
- Brockton Academic Recovery Plan (BARP): tutoring, summer bridge, extended day
- Parent-teacher meetings with specific catch-up steps and timelines
4) Multiple Pathways to Success
- Expanded CTE programs and modernized labs
- Apprenticeships, paid internships, and industry certificates via local partners
- Certificate of Career Readiness for students completing coursework while continuing mastery work
5) Fiscal Accountability and Results
- Public dashboard: readiness, literacy/math mastery, class sizes, post-grad outcomes
- Core class size target: ≤ 20 students
- Spending tied to measurable outcomes; programs fixed or cut if they don’t deliver
6) Respect for Parents and Teachers
- Open access to curriculum guides, reading lists, grading criteria
- Annual curriculum hearings for families and educators
- Teacher input on mastery criteria and assessment design
The Conservative Foundation Behind the Plan
- Thomas Sowell: incentives and systems produce results
- E.D. Hirsch: knowledge-rich curriculum closes the real gap—knowledge
- AEI/Frederick Hess: transparency, accountability, parental empowerment
- Heritage: families first; schools serve parents and students, not bureaucracy
This isn’t about testing less or spending more—it’s about expecting more and wasting less.
Implementation Timeline
Year 1 (2025–2026): Planning and Curriculum Review
- Competency Review Council (teachers, parents, business leaders)
- Publish draft benchmarks; audit curriculum alignment
- Build public dashboard framework
Year 2 (2026–2027): Pilot
- Pilot mastery assessments in English 9 and Algebra I
- Launch early-warning reports and dashboard beta
Year 3 (2027–2028): Full Implementation
- All grade 9–10 courses under mastery benchmarks
- Districtwide BARP supports
Year 4 (2028–2029): First Graduating Cohort
- Graduate under CCCS; publish first Citywide State of Learning report
Why It Matters
- Parents: Clear standards and honest progress reports
- Teachers: Consistent goals, fewer moving targets
- Taxpayers: Transparency and measurable returns
- Students: A diploma that opens doors
Key Data Snapshot
| Category | Figure |
|---|---|
| FY26 Total School Budget | $344,720,845 |
| State Aid (Chapter 70) | ~81.8% |
| Staff Share of Budget | ~77% |
| Reading Below Benchmark (Fall 2024) | ~47% |
| Reading Below Benchmark (Spring 2025) | ~39% |
| Hanover HS Avg Class Size | Reduced 22 → 18 |
Strong Schools. Strong City.
We cannot keep raising budgets while lowering expectations. The Champion City Competency Standard restores discipline, clarity, and opportunity. It tells the truth and delivers results.
In Brockton, a diploma should mean mastery, not mercy.
Join the Movement
If you believe in accountability, transparency, and high expectations for every child, stand with us.
Vote Stephen Pina — Ward 1 School Committee
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