As educational standards evolve, so too must the requirements for high school graduation. In anticipation of changes set by the state for the class of 2028, Rose Hill High School (RHHS) is seeking board approval to adjust its graduation requirements. These adaptations will ensure that students are adequately prepared for post-secondary endeavors while meeting the mandates of the new standards.
Current Graduation Requirements
Currently, RHHS mandates twenty-five credits for graduation, with each semester course earning students one-half credit. The minimum grade for course completion is a D. The breakdown of credits includes:
Four credits of Language Arts
Three credits of Science, including a laboratory course
Three credits of Mathematics
One credit of P.E./Health
Three credits of Social Studies, covering American History, American Government, Economics, and a Social Studies elective
Sufficient elective credits
A maximum of two credits from correspondence work
Proposed Changes for Class of 2028
For the incoming freshman class of 2028, RHHS will align its requirements with the state's updated standards. Here's a breakdown of the proposed changes:
Communications (4 credits): This includes 3.5 credits for English Language Arts (ELA) and 0.5 credits for Communication courses such as speech, debate, forensics, journalism, or public speaking.
Society and Humanities (4 credits): No change here, encompassing Social Studies and Fine Arts.
STEM (7 credits): Enhanced emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) with 3.0 credits each for Math and Science, and 1.0 credit for a STEM elective.
Employability and Life Skills (10 credits): This category incorporates essential skills for real-world success, including Physical Education, Health, Financial Literacy, and various Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses.
Postsecondary Assets: Students will need to fulfill two or more postsecondary assets from categories such as Career and Real-World Examples or Academic Examples. These include achieving certain scores on standardized tests, completing college-level courses, earning industry-recognized certifications, and more.
FAFSA Completion: While not a graduation requirement, RHHS strongly encourages students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as recommended by the Kansas Board of Regents.
Preparing Students for Success
These adjustments aim to better prepare RHHS students for the diverse challenges and opportunities they'll encounter beyond high school. By integrating a broader range of skills and experiences, RHHS ensures that its graduates are equipped to excel in both their chosen careers and further academic pursuits.
As RHHS awaits board approval, the school remains committed to providing a comprehensive and dynamic education that empowers students to thrive in an ever-changing world.