High schoolers will be tested for basic math and reading skills starting in 2024
(Frankfort, Ky.) – New graduation requirements are in place for Kentucky high schoolers, beginning with the class of 2024.
The Kentucky Board of Education unanimously approved the requirements on Wednesday, which will require students to pass a test showing they have basic math and reading skills, reports The Courier Journal.
The test will be administered in the 10th grade. Incoming freshman in 2020 will be first to take the exam, which will determine if they will graduate or not.
Currently, the state is facing a problem where nearly half of high school graduates don’t have the necessary skills they need to succeed in college or the workforce.
However, several educational groups oppose the new requirements to graduate, including the Kentucky Education Association. Some are concerned the state’s graduation rates will drop once the new requirements take effect.
The public will have 30 days to weigh-in on the requirements, which could prompt changes by the board before the requirements are finalized.