The Kentucky Board of Education has approved the new high school graduation requirements. These requirements would need students to show a basic understanding in reading and math, as well as fulfilling one of the seven qualifiers which are designed to help them prepare for a career or pursue a degree at a university. The math and reading requirements can be met by completing a minimum standard on tests taken in the eighth or tenth grade. “We all need a little bit more math because some of us don’t know [enough] of it, so it’s good” says Ariana Spencer, regarding the new requirements.

Below is a quick overview of the new requirements compared to the current requirements:

Students entering high school in the 2019-20 school year must complete the following 22* personalized credits before graduation. *Each district may set additional requirements due to block scheduling.
English I and II AND 2 additional English Language Arts credits aligned
with the student’s Individual Learning Plan (ILP)
Algebra I and Geometry AND two additional Mathematics credits aligned
with the student’s ILP
3 credits Social Studies (at least 1 aligned with the student’s ILP)
3 credits Science (at least 1 aligned with the student’s ILP)
1/2 credit Health
1/2 credit Physical Education 1 credit Visual and Performing Arts
6 additional credits aligned with the student’s ILP

Students who entered high school in the 2018-2019 year or before must complete the following 26* credits before graduation. Lafayette is on a block schedule, so 26 credits are required.
English 4 English 1, 2, 3, 4
Mathematics 3 Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2
Science 3 Integrated Sci. 1, Biology, Integrated Sci. 2
Social Studies 3
Adv Government, Adv World Civilizations,
U.S. History
Health & PE 1 Health & Physical Education
Arts & Humanities 1 VPA (or 3 arts courses in same discipline)
Electives 11 Student choice

For the new math and reading tested requirements, students can also create a portfolio demonstrating that they have met the standard. Qualifiers for this include fulfilling one of the two benchmark scores in reading and math on college entrance or placement exams. The seven qualifiers include: completing the pre-college curriculum, meeting a benchmark score of a college admission or placement exam, completing three credit hours or more of a Kentucky Department of Education approved dual credit course with a grade C or higher, an industry certification approved by the Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board, four credits from valid courses within a single Kentucky Department of Education approved career pathway, 500 hours of exceptional work experience, or one course and corresponding assessment that meets the following criteria: Advanced Placement with a score of 3 or higher, Cambridge Advanced International with a score of benchmark or above, or International Baccalaureate with a score of 5 or higher (WKYT).