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06/25/2019

Could Ohio Finally Pass New High School Graduation Requirements?

This could settle an issue that the state has been struggling with for years

The Ohio Senate passed a budget last week that includes a set of high school graduation requirements, which could settle an issue that the state has been struggling with for years.

Under the proposed standards, students could pick from options including 20 credits of coursework, good final scores on basic English and math tests, and college or career prep. That means at least two seals or endorsements from the state and local districts, in areas such as community service, workforce readiness, bilingual proficiency and military enlistment. Other potential state seals are for citizenship, science, and technology, requiring certain test scores or advanced coursework. Local seals include fine and performing arts and student engagement. The proposal in the budget comes from a coalition of business groups, school districts and a charter schools organization.

The state delayed graduation requirements in both 2017 and 2018 because of concerns that as many as a third of students might not be on track to meet them. On Monday, three key school groups wrote to the members of the committee, saying they oppose the addition of the graduation requirements in the budget. The letter from the Ohio Association of School Business Officials (OASBO), the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) and the Buckeye Association of School Administrators (BASA) also opposes the Ohio Senate budget’s movement of $125 million in funding for wraparound services into vouchers. It also supports the elimination of academic distress commissions and additional funding to fast-growing school districts.

Please select this link to read the complete article from WOSU Public Media.

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