Richland County parents and students take note: the Ohio Department of Education is spreading the word about new high school graduation requirements.
The requirements for graduation have been changed more than once by the state legislature in recent years such that there are currently three different sets of requirement rules for the four different high school grade levels. The most recent changes, made for the class of 2023, are expected to now be the permanent Ohio graduation requirement system (unless the legislature makes future changes).
An Ohio student who entered ninth grade on or after July 1, 2019, has multiple pathways to earn a high school diploma and move on to the next step in their education or a career. The three-prong system is set forth as follows:
- Cover the Basics: The student must complete and earn a state minimum of 20 credits in specific subjects (link: http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Ohio-s-Graduation-Requirements/Courses-and-Requirements).
- Show Competency: The student must pass Ohio’s high school Algebra I and English II tests. If the student is unable to pass after two attempts, then they may demonstrate competency through an alternative path, such as enrolling in the military, demonstrating career-focused activities, or completing college coursework.
- Show Readiness: The student must earn two of 12 diploma seals. Examples of available seals include an OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal, a College-Ready Seal, and a Technology Seal.
Are you a student in high school, or a parent of a high schooler? We recommend you visit the Ohio Department of Education’s website (link: http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Ohio-s-Graduation-Requirements) for full information, or talk to a school counselor for assistance.
