HARRISBURG, March 10, 2009 – Sen. Daylin Leach, D-Delaware/ Montgomery, today released a statement in response to the announcement by the State Board of Education, the Department of Education and the Pennsylvania School Boards Association that an agreement has been reached on high school graduation requirements.
“I applaud the State Board of Education, the Department of Education and the Pennsylvania School Boards Association for coming to a reasonable compromise on a controversial issue that has separated us for too long,” Leach said. “Certainly all of us can agree that we want the high school diploma to have meaning and that it should convey our graduates are ready to go out into the world, whether that journey take them to the workplace or a college classroom.”
According to the new standards, students will be required to demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, math, science and social studies to graduate from high school beginning in the 2014-15 school year. A student’s score on the PSSA, Keystone Exams (end-of-course exams), the Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate exams or a validated local assessment will determine aptitude.
Under the agreement, Keystone Exams will be voluntary, although proficiency of the state academic standards will remain a requirement for graduation. Local school districts will have the option to work with the state to develop their own assessments, in lieu of Keystone Exams.
“The accord reached will facilitate ongoing and productive conversations about an important matter, the education and preparedness of our youth,” Leach added.
According to the Department of Education, state law passed last July established a one-year moratorium on any regulations regarding high school graduation requirements. The State Board of Education will continue to hold public hearings over the next several months and will formally revisit the proposed regulations once the moratorium expires at the end of June 2009.
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