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RECENT PRESS RELEASES |
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New Graduation Requirements Passed
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For Media Requests
- GaDOE Communications Office, (404) 463-1487 or dtofig@doe.k12.ga.us
September 13, 2007 -- The State Board of Education today passed a new set of graduation requirements that will assure Georgia's students graduate high school college and work ready.
"This is a tremendous day in the history of Georgia education," State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox said. "We are no longer setting high expectations for just some students. As a state, we are saying that ALL students can learn at a high level."
The new Graduation Rule -- passed unanimously by the State Board of Education -- eliminates Georgia's "tiered" diploma, in which there were different expectations for different students.
"Regardless of what students are going to do after high school, they must have a strong core of classes in Mathematics, English, Social Studies and Science," Superintendent Cox said. "Then, they can use their electives to personalize their education, whether they are bound for the work world, higher education or both."
The New Requirements
Georgia's new Graduation Rule goes into effect for first-time freshman next school year (2008-2009). The state sets the minimum requirements for graduation. Local systems can add requirements above and beyond the state requirements. Under the new requirements, all students must have 23 credits to receive a diploma, which include:
- Four (4) credits in Mathematics
- Four (4) credits in English/Language Arts
- Four (4) credits in Science
- Three (3) credits in Social Studies
- One (1) credit in Health/Physical Education
- Three (3) credits in Foreign Language** and/or Fine Arts and/or Career/Technical/Agricultural Education***.
- Four (4) electives
** - Any student going to a University System of Georgia college or university must take at least two years of the same foreign language to meet admission requirements.
*** - Students wishing to receive industry certification in certain areas under Career/Technical/Agricultural Education programs must follow specific pathways. For more information, go to http://www.gadoe.org/ci_cta.aspx.
See how the new Graduation Rule compares to current graduation requirements
Graduation Rule History
The first draft of Georgia's new Graduation Rule was developed by a committee comprised of representatives from local school districts, GaDOE, the University System of Georgia, the Department of Adult and Technical Education, the Governor's Office of Student Achievement, as well as members of education stakeholder groups and the business community. Subcommittees were created to discuss and make recommendations for specific academic areas as well.
In May, the first draft was released for public input and 16 hearings were held around the state. Hundreds of written comments were received.
A revised version of the rule was released for public input in mid-July and two more conference call public hearings were held and about 200 more written responses were received.
The State Board of Education initiated the rule in August and held a public hearing on Wednesday. The rule was passed Thursday morning.
More Information:
- Graduation Rule Website: http://www.gadoe.org/pea_policy.aspx?PageReq=GradRules2
- Compare current graduation rule to new graduation requirements
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