Ohio school board wants lawmakers to extend softer graduation rules

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Rules require students to receive 20 course credits, but they no longer would have to pass state tests. Instead, they could graduate by completing any two of nine alternate standards. Those include senior-year attendance and grades, a project or community service.

If state legislators approve the policy, it still would need the governor’s signature to become law.

Some state board members think districts and students needed stability regarding the rules.

Chad Aldis, vice president for Ohio policy and advocacy at the Fordham Institute, argued for higher standards, saying too many high school graduates don’t have the skills necessary for college or the workforce.

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The state school board’s resolution also set a timeline for establishing long-term graduation standards, calling for a recommendation from state Superintendent Paolo DeMaria in October, a state board committee vote in November, and a vote by the full state board in December 2018.