Ohio’s softer graduation rules could continue 2 more years

The softer graduation standards the Class of 2018 faces could be extended to current juniors and sophomores in high school.

State school board members in January are expected to consider voting to extend the extra graduation options to the classes of 2019 and 2020. Members discussed the plan in Columbus on Tuesday.

RELATED: Extra 2018 graduation options explained

If approved, state lawmakers would then consider the recommendation.

The softer rules for 2018 means students still need 20 course credits, take all exams and re-take math or English exams if they score a 1 or 2 on a 5-point scale. Students would not need to pass the exams and could instead graduate by completing any two of nine alternate requirements.

RELATED: 42% of seniors still have some test points to go

The four most likely options of those nine are 93 percent attendance senior year, a 2.5 GPA in at least four full-year senior-year courses, a senior-year “capstone” project, or 120 hours of senior-year work or community service. Other options include earning industry job credentials, or earning Advanced Placement or College Credit Plus credits.

The committee working on the rules wants to find a long-term plan for graduation requirements for 2021 and beyond.

LAST MONTH: Early discussion of plans for Class of 2019