Vol. 39, No. 10

April 22, 2005

 

Task Force Recommends More Courses
and a New Test for High School Graduation


Under proposals presented to state education officials today, students entering the eighth grade this fall would be required to take more core academic courses in order to graduate, and they might be required to take a new, state-mandated test.

The High School Task Force, appointed a year ago by Commissioner of Education D. Kent King, presented its findings and recommendations to the State Board of Education today in Jefferson City.

"It has been 20 years since we revised the minimum high school graduation requirements. The world has changed dramatically in that time. I think it is time to raise state standards and increase the academic rigor of the high school experience for all young people," King said.

The High School Task Force is a 25-member committee composed of educators and representatives of business and labor groups. Dr. Jerry Valentine, a professor at the University of Missouri-Columbia, chaired the group. The panel made three main recommendations:

  • Increase minimum graduation requirements to 24 units of credit, from the current 22-unit standard. This would include 4 units of English and 3 units each of math, science and social studies – an increase of one unit in all four subjects. A new half-unit requirement in health education also would be added.

While not recommending the addition of a separate course, the task force called for a state requirement that all students acquire specific knowledge and competence in the area of "personal finance."

  • Develop a new "exit test" to replace the current high school MAP exams. The task force endorsed the idea of having all high school students take an exam, such as the ACT or SAT, with an "add-on component" to address Missouri’s academic standards. All students would be required to take this exam in the eleventh grade, but there would not be a state-mandated passing score.
  • Adopt a two-tiered diploma for public high schools. This idea is contingent on the development of a state exit test. Students who earn 24 units of credit would qualify for a standard diploma. Students who earn 24 units of credit and earn a specified score on the exit exam would receive an "advanced" diploma.

King said he will ask the State Board of Education to take formal action in June to begin implementing the task force’s proposals. The State Board has authority to raise minimum course requirements for graduation. Implementing the other recommendations, however, will require more discussion and would probably require new state appropriations.

Any changes in minimum graduation requirements that are approved this year by the State Board of Education would be in force for the Class of 2010.

Next month, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will hold 10 meetings throughout the state to provide more information about the recommendations and to gather feedback from educators and community leaders.

Comparison of Current Minimum Graduation Requirements
with Recommended Requirements

Content Areas

Existing Credits

Proposed Credits

Communication Arts

3

4

Social Studies

2

3

Mathematics

2

3

Science

2

3

Fine Arts/Practical Arts

2

2

Physical Education

1

1

Health Education

0

.5

Electives

10

7.5

Total Units Required

22

24