High School Graduation Requirements: Good Enough?
6/17/2007
There was once a time when the culmination of one’s educational growth came at the completion of high school. Graduation from the 12th grade was all the preparation some individuals needed in order to be successful in this country. The majority of jobs did not require higher education and it was possible to live a productive, successful, and financially sound life. These days of simplicity are now long gone and the race to effectively prepare the leaders of tomorrow is speeding up everyday.
Boys State needs to be at the forefront of this race; however, in order for this to happen, constant reevaluations of our standards must take place so that we stay current with the rest of the world. Our current high school graduation requirements call for minimum credit attainment in major academic areas such as mathematics, English/language arts, science, etc. We live in a fast-moving, high-tech society that requires the competence levels of our students to be at a level that was not previously necessary. By the time a student has graduated from high school, he/she must have mastered fundamental skills and developed a strong, well-rounded foundation in all areas of education.
The Department of Education recognizes this great responsibility and has stated that current requirements are currently under review. They are as follows:
2 credits – Mathematics
2 credits – English/Language Arts
2 credits – Science
1 credit – Social Studies
1 credit – Physical Education
Along with these requirements, the state gives the Boys State Assessment Test (BSAT) in both 10th and 12th grade. The test does not determine whether or not students will graduate.
Boys State Citizens for Educational Change (BSCEC) President Johan Timmersee feels that the requirements need a serious facelift.
“Boys State must establish themselves as a shining example to the country and the world as a state that believes in progress and success in their educational system. The current standards that we have for high school graduation are a joke and need to be rectified immediately. The BSCEC will be present at the next State Board of Education meeting to address our concerns.”
This is a growing issue across the state that is developing into a hot debate topic.