State BOE changes high school graduation requirements

TOPEKA ( KSNT ) – After nearly two decades, the Kansas Board of Education (KBOE) made changes to graduation requirements for students.

On Monday, the KBOE voted 8-2 to pass amendments to graduation requirements under K.A.R. 91-31-35 . The changes outline requirements set by the state board for students to meet before they’re eligible for graduation.

The requirements include:

• Four units of English language arts.
• Three units of history and government.
• Three units of science.
• Three units of mathematics.
• One-half unit of physical education.
• One-half unit of health education.
• One-half unit of financial literacy.
• One-half unit of advanced science.
• Four and one-half units of elective courses.
• Two or more accomplishments approved by the State Board that demonstrate the student as a successful graduate.

Additionally, students must make one of the following filings, unless exempted by a chief administrative officer:

• A free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) with the U.S. Department of Education.
• File a waiver with the governing body that a parent or guardian, if the student is 18 years or older, that the student understands what FAFSA is and has chosen not to file.

The new graduation requirements start this fall with the incoming class of 2028.

Blue Valley Schools Parent Tamara Seyler-James spoke in opposition to the changes.

“Filling out a federal financial aid form has nothing whatsoever to do with whether a student has earned his or her diploma,” Seyler-James said.

In addition to making changes to K.A.R. 91-31-35, the KBOE made post-secondary graduation requirement changes, including increasing the attendance requirement from 90% to 95%.

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