Subject requirements are as follows: English-4 credits; Math-3 credits; Science-2 credits; History-4 courses (to include P.N.W., World History, U.S. History, Current World Problems); Health-.5 credits; P.E.-1.5 credits; Fine Arts-1 credit; Vocational-1 credit. In addition, students must take elective credits required by grade level. If there are any questions regarding specifics for any particular class, please contact the Counseling Office. If a student is shared between OHS and OAHS and wants to graduate with an OHS diploma, the student must take Senior English and Current World Problems at OHS.

State lawmakers recently made changes to the state’s high school graduation requirements. The changes can be found in Engrossed Substitute Bill 6023 (ESSB 6023). Below is a series of questions and answers on what changed, what didn’t and what it all means for students and schools as they relate to mathematics.

Beginning with the class of 2008, students who meet the reading, writing and mathematics high school standards will earn a Certificate of Academic Achievement (CAA) or Certificate of Individual Achievement (CIA). Students in the graduating classes of 2008-2012, however, can still earn a high school diploma without earning a certificate. The graduating class of 2013 will now be the first class required to meet the state’s reading, writing, mathematics and science standards and earn a certificate. For the graduating classes of 2008-2012, students may graduate without a Certificate of Academic

Achievement or Certificate of Individual Achievement if they:

(1) Do not meet the mathematics standard on the High School WASL, an approved objective alternative assessment, or an assessment for students in special education;

(2) Meet the reading and writing standards;

(3) Meet all other state and school district graduation requirements; and

(4) For the graduating classes of 2009-2012, earn two mathematics credits (or career and

technical course equivalent, including appropriate courses offered at skill centers) after the

student's 10th grade year. The student must also continue to take the appropriate mathematics

assessment at least once annually until graduation.

Note: A student’s graduation requirements are determined by the date they start ninth grade. Graduation requirements remain the same for the student regardless of whether they graduate early or need more than four years to graduate.

The newly approved State Board of Education (old core 24) graduation requirements outlined below.

In addition, to the State Board of Education adoption of the new graduation requirements, the Board made other laudable votes at their last meeting, including:
•    Moving from an hour-based credit definition to a content and knowledge-based definition; and
•    Allowing for students to fulfill two high school requirements with only one course (this applies only to Career-Technical Education courses and all students will still be required to earn 24-credits in order to receive a diploma). 

Partnership for Learning strongly applauds the Board’s decision. We will continue to support a formal adoption and encourage a speedy implementation timeline during the upcoming 2011 legislative session.