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The recent announcement by a school district of a change in high school graduation requirements has set off controversy. Under the proposed plan, students will only have to have 24 courses instead of the current 28 to graduate. The rationale behind the change is to “give the students more options.” Critics of the proposed plan feel that this simply a “dumbing” down of the educational system.

I guess that there are some advantages to changing the graduation requirements in that it would allow more students to graduate each year. The down side to lowering the graduation requirements is that it makes it easier for the student to graduate. If students are not challenged to excel in courses that are more difficult, they will fall into a trap of taking the easy way out. Lowering the graduation requirements sends the wrong message to students. If high expectations are not set, students will not be prepared to enter post-secondary institutions.

When students enter post-secondary schools, they need to be prepared to handle college level courses. The basic requirements reading, math and writing need to be mastered before the student graduates from high school. The ability to comprehend the course material that translates into a clear understanding is paramount to the success of the student. The link between strong academic preparation in high school and success in college and careers is clearer than it has ever been. Students need to be prepared to manage multiple classes and meet deadlines for assignments. Along with academic readiness, is the mental maturity of the student to handle the transition to college. Making this transition can be difficult for those students who are still adjusting to young adulthood. These students need more support from instructors and counselors and may have a difficult time adapting to the college environment.

Lowering high school graduation requirements can be detrimental to the students and their success in post-secondary education. Those students who choose not to go to college will be short changed as they attempt to compete in the work force. They will be competing with a well educated and highly skilled workforce. Whether high graduates go directly to college or into the workplace, they need advanced knowledge and skills if they are going to be successful.

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