State of Ohio Graduation Requirements 3-17-15
Course Requirements
Who must take the American history and American government tests? What test do currentyear sophomores, juniors and seniors in these classes take? Which tests count?
The Ohio Graduation Tests count as the graduation requirement for all students in grades 10-12.
These students also must take the American history and American government end-of-course tests
to meet the requirements of another state law.
Sophomores, juniors and seniors taking American government and American history in second
semester or full year course this school year take the tests unless they are taking an appropriate
Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate test or a Dual Enrollment class. This replaces the
interim tests that districts gave last year. (New 3/11/15)
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Ohio is not administering an algebra II end-of-course exam. So, is algebra II or its equivalent
still a required course for graduation?
Yes, a credit in Algebra II or its equivalent is required to meet math curriculum units for high school
graduation. There is no end-of-course test for Algebra II or its equivalent. (Updated 1/5/15)
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There are some students in grade 9 who took a biology course in grade 8. Are they required
to take the course in high school to receive graduation points?
No, since the test will not be given until the 2015-2016 school year. In place of taking the test, any
student who took a biology course prior to the test being available will have the opportunity to
receive three points or points based on a course grade as determined by the superintendent and
chancellor. (Updated 1/5/15)
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Which graduating class is required to take world history?
The freshmen who enter high school for the first time after July 1, 2017 (class of 2021), are the first
class required to have the one-half credit of world history and civilizations. (Updated 1/5/15)
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Is the one-half unit for world history in addition to the two required units of social studies?
No. Students entering ninth grade for the first time on or after July 1, 2017, must complete one-half
unit in American history, one-half unit of American government, and two units of social studies,
which will include at least one-half unit of world history and civilizations. (Updated 1/5/15)
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End-of-Course Tests
What Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate test can be substituted for the
biology end of course exam?
The State Board of Education recently approved the Advance Placement biology test and the
International Baccalaureate biology test as appropriate substitutes for the biology end-of-courseexam requirement for graduation. Students will be awarded graduation points based on the their
score on the test (March 13).
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Does a student have to take another science end-of-course test if the student already has
earned the credit for biology as a freshman in 2014-2015 school year?
The department has implemented both state and federal laws regarding these requirements. If this
year's grade 8 students are taking biology, they get an automatic three points toward graduation (or
course grade conversion). If they are taking physical science next year, it does not factor into
graduation requirements and there is no end-of-course test requirement.
Ninth-grade students fall into the same situation regarding the biology test because it is not available
this year. They have the option to take the physical science end-of-course test next year since they
can apply either biology or physical science to their graduation requirement. These are options for
students during the transition of the new tests. (New 3/11/15)
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Are current-year sophomores, juniors and seniors enrolled in AP government or history at
the college level (approved by university) exempt from the end-of-course tests?
Students earning college credit in tested science and social studies courses do not have to take the
state end-of-course exams this year. Instead of taking a test, students will use their course grade
from the college-level course. By the end of the 2014-2015 school year, the department will release
the number of graduation points each letter grade will earn. (New 3/11/15)
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If the student is not getting transcripted HIGH SCHOOL credit for physical science taken at
the middle school level, does he or she still have to take the end-of-course test? If not, what
assessment should the student take?
All grade 8 students are required to test in science. They may take either the grade 8 science test or
the physical science test, depending on which test best aligns with the curriculum that the student
has been taught. So, a student who takes a course in physical science in eighth grade will take the
physical science end-of-course test in the 2014-2015 school year. Starting with the 2015-2016
school year, only students who are eligible to use physical science to meet their graduation
requirement will take the end-of-course test in physical science. (New 3/11/15)
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A student took English 1 in the 2013-2014 school year but did not receive high school credit
for the course. Does that student take the English 1 end-of-course test?
Yes, the student takes the English I end-of-course exam. The Ohio Department of Education
recommends that the student take it at the next available administration, when he or she takes the
English II course. Then, the student takes the English II end-of-course exam at the completion of the
English III course. In order to receive high school credit for English I, the student’s middle school
teacher must have had the appropriate licensure to teach a high school-level English
course. (Updated 2/19/15)
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Must a student take the end-of-course exam when he/she is enrolled in the course?
It is the expectation for students to take the state end-of-course exam when they are taking the
course. If a student does not take end-of-course tests, he or she is eliminating one of three options
for graduation. It is an important option that we expect the majority of students will take to receive a
high school diploma. (2/6/15)
Spring
Windows
Feb - May 2015
Fall Block
Spring
2015-2016 Dec Windows
- Jan
Feb - May 2016
English Language
Yes
Arts I
Yes
Yes
Yes
English Language
Yes
Arts II
Yes
Yes
Yes
Algebra I
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Geometry
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Math I
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Math II
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
American History
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
American
Government
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Physical Science
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Biology
No
No
Yes
Yes
Course
Fall Block 20142015 Dec - Jan
End-of-course exams take effect with the class of 2018. These are students who are entering ninth
grade for the first time in the 2014-2015 school year.
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A district tests and identifies a student as accelerated but the student does not take a high
school course that has a required end-of-course exam. Is the student still required to take the
end-of-course exam?
The student must take the end-of-course exam to earn an Ohio High School Diploma.
If the district allows a student, prior to July 1, 2015, to test out of a course as part of a credit flexibility
plan, the district must give the state end-of-course exam. Testing out is one component of receiving
credit to meet the testing requirement. (Updated 1/5/15)
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Some students might take two courses in the same year. For example, an eighth-grader might
take math and algebra I or eighth-grade science and physical science. Must those students
take both tests associated with the grade/course?
The student would take the high school end-of-course exam and may not take the eighth-grade level
test. If a student is taking two high school courses in the same content area, then the student must
take end-of-course exams in both courses. (Updated 1/5/15)
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What test does a student take in middle school this year if the student is in algebra I? Is it the
end-of-course test or the eighth grade math test?
The U.S. Department of Education has approved the Ohio Department of Education’s request for a
waiver from “double testing” students below ninth grade who are taking high school-level courses for
credits. The waiver, which only applies to the 2014-2015 school year, requires these students in
elementary and middle school to test above their grade levels – in the high school-level courses they
took for credit – and prohibits them from taking the assessments for the courses at their current
grade levels. These students must take the performance-based assessments and the end-of-year
exams that match the high school-level courses. For example, an eighth-grader who is taking
Algebra I for high school credit must take only the Algebra I assessment. That student will not take
the eighth-grade math test. Unlike the previous policy on accelerated testing, students do NOT need
to be on formal acceleration plans in order to take the higher-grade state tests. The waiver, which
only applies to 2014-2015 school year, allows all students to take the tests that best match their
courses of study, regardless of whether acceleration plans are in place. For the current school year,
districts and schools should test their elementary and middle school students with higher-level math,
English language arts or science end-of-course exams in cases where the students are taking the
course for high school credit. (Updated 1/5/15)
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Do students get to choose whether they take the algebra I or integrated math end-of-course
exam?
The content of the course determines the test. Those students who are taking a course sequence
that aligns with integrated math should take the integrated math end-of-course exam. (Updated
1/5/15)
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Which students must take the biology end-of-course exam?
Eighth
Grade
Studen
t and
Lower
In Physical
Science this
year,
Biology
next year
In Physical
Science this
year, already
completed
Biology
In Biology this
year, Physical
Science next
year
In Biology this
year, already
completed
Physical
Science
In Physical
Science and
Biology this
year
Takes
Physical
Science
end-ofcourse test
this year,
but it does
not count
toward the
graduation
requirement
. Must take
Biology
end-ofcourse test
Takes Physical
Science end-ofcourse test this
year, but it does
not count toward
the graduation
requirement.
Student has the
option to use
automatic
graduation
points from
Biology course
grade/completio
n toward
Biology end-ofcourse test not
available this
year. Student
uses automatic
graduation
points or points
based on course
grade/completio
n toward
graduation
requirement.
Physical Science
does not factor
into graduation
Biology end-ofcourse test not
available this
year. Student
uses automatic
graduation
points or points
based on course
grade/completio
n toward
graduation
requirement.
Physical Science
does not factor
into graduation
Takes Physical
Science end-ofcourse test this
year, but it does
not count toward
the graduation
requirement.
Biology end-ofcourse test not
available this
year. Student
uses automatic
graduation
points or points
based on course
next year.
Ninth
Grade
Studen
t
Tenth
Grade
Studen
t and
Higher
graduation
requirements.
In Physical
Science this
year,
Biology
next year
In Physical
Science this
year, already
completed
Biology
Takes
Physical
Science
end-ofcourse test
this year
and has the
option to
take the
Biology
end-ofcourse test
next year.
Takes Physical
Science end-ofcourse test this
year, has the
option to use
automatic
graduation
points from
Biology course
grade/completio
n toward
graduation
requirements.
In Physical
Science this
year,
Biology
next year
In Physical
Science this
year, already
completed
Biology
Takes
Science
OGT, does
not take
end-ofcourse test.
(Updated 3/5/15)
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Takes Science
OGT, does not
take end-ofcourse test.
requirements.
In Biology this
year, Physical
Science next
year
Biology end-ofcourse test not
available this
year student.
Student uses
automatic
graduation
points or points
based on course
grade/completio
n toward
graduation
requirement and
has the option to
take Physical
Science end-ofcourse test next
year.
In Biology this
year, Physical
Science next
year
Takes Science
OGT, does not
take end-ofcourse test.
requirements.
In Biology this
year, already
completed
Physical
Science
Biology end-ofcourse test not
available this
year. Student has
the option to use
automatic
graduation
points from
Physical
Science or
Biology courses
or points based
on course
grade/completio
n toward
graduation
requirements.
In Biology this
year, already
completed
Physical
Science
Takes Science
OGT, does not
take end-ofcourse test.
grade/completio
n toward
graduation
requirements.
In Physical
Science and
Biology this
year
Takes Physical
Science end-ofcourse test this
year. Student has
the option to use
automatic
graduation
points or points
based
on Biology
course
grade/completio
n toward
graduation
requirements.
In Physical
Science and
Biology this
year
Takes Science
OGT, does not
take end-ofcourse test.
If a ninth-grade student does not score a three or higher on the physical science end-ofcourse exam, must the student retake the physical science end-of-course exam or can the
student take the biology test after completing that course?
Ninth-graders who do not score a three or higher on the physical science end-of-course exam may
either retake the physical science end-of-course exam or take the biology end-of-course exam, after
completing the course work. Either exam will meet the science graduation requirements and the
highest score will count for graduation. (Updated 1/5/15)
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Some eighth-graders may be taking a physical science course this school year. Should they
still plan to take the physical science end-of-course exam or must they wait to take the
biology test when available?
Students currently in grade 8 must take a science test to meet No Child Left Behind requirements.
This test should best reflect the content they have learned. This means that grade 8 students taking
a high school physical science course should take the physical science end-of-course exam.
However, these students must still meet the biology end-of-course exam requirement for graduation
upon completion of the biology course. (Updated 1/5/15)
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Will there be an end-of-course exam in world history?
No, state law prohibits the Ohio Department of Education from developing a world history end-ofcourse exam. (Updated 1/5/15)
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Must students earning credit through a postsecondary program like College Credit Plus take
the state end-of-course exam? If not, how do they receive graduation points?
Students earning credit in courses for mathematics and English language arts must take the state
end-of-course exams. Students earning credit in tested science and social studies courses do not
have to take the state end-of-course exams. A student’s course grade will determine the graduation
points for the student. Ohio’s state superintendent of public instruction and chancellor of higher
education will identify the method for translating course grades to earned graduation points in early
2015. During the transition school year of 2014-2015, students may decide to use either their course
grades or three graduation points. (Updated 1/5/15)
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Is the performance-based test part of the end-of-course test?
Each tested subject has an end-of-course state test with two parts. Part 1 is the performance-based
assessment, where students construct their responses that a trained education professional then
scores. Part 2 is the end-of-year test where students respond to items that are then computer
scored. The score for the end-of-course test is a combination of Parts 1 and 2. (Updated 9/3/14)
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If a student earned credit for algebra I in the eighth grade last year, does the student have to
take the end-of-course test now?
o
o
o
o
No. A student who earned high school credit in any of the above courses before July 1, 2014,
automatically will receive a score of three points per course test toward the total points needed for
graduation. Students who automatically receive three points may take the test once to earn a higher
score.
A student who took a high school course in the middle school and did not receive high school credit
is still required to take the end-of-course test. The department recommends taking the end-of-course
test during one of the two 2014-2015 opportunities.
A student who took a math or English course during the summer and did not complete the course
until after July 1, 2014, is still required to take the end-of-course test. The department recommends
taking the end-of-course test during the 2014-2015 school year.
Middle school students this year who take one of these courses for high school credit must take the
corresponding state end-of-course test in this school year. (Updated 9/3/14)
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When are students supposed to take the physical science end-of-course test?
o
o
o
Like any of the end-of-course tests, the student should take the test soon after completing the
coursework. If a student is not enrolled in a course specifically called “physical science,” the student
should take the test after the district determines that the student received instruction on the material
covered by the test.
Additionally, the physical science end-of-course test can be replaced with a substitute test. The
State Board will be releasing the approved list of these substitute tests soon. Science Advanced
Placement or International Baccalaureate tests may be able to replace the physical science test for
students who do not take the course.
The State Board is finalizing a rule to allow ninth-grade students earning credit for a physical
science, American history or American government course in a fall block schedule to automatically
receive three graduation points. This rule will be finalized in December 2014. (Updated 1/5/15)
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What substitute tests are approved for students this year?
o
o
o
Students in a physical science, American history or American government course may take a
substitute test instead of the state’s end-of-course test. Substitute tests are not allowed for the math
or English tests. The State Board approved the following substitute tests:
o Physical Science:
 AP Physics 1: Algebra-based
 AP Physics 2: Algebra-based
o American History:
 AP United States History
o American Government:
 AP United States Government and Politics
The State Board will continue to review potential substitute tests and release a final list of tests in the
coming months.
The crosswalk of scores will only be available after the new state tests are completed and scores are
released. The crosswalk may not be finalized until early 2016. (Updated 9/3/14)
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When do students have to take an American history or American government end-of-course
test? How does this work for block schedules? Which test do they take?
o
The requirement depends on the student’s grade and schedule. Some students will use the interim
tests used during the 2013-2014 school year during fall, and others will use the new state end-of-
o
course tests that will be ready for the spring. The table below shows which tests must be given
based on the student’s grade and schedule (with graduation requirement in bold).
The State Board finalized in December 2014 a rule to allow ninth-grade students earning credit for a
physical science, American history or American government course in a fall block schedule course to
automatically receive three graduation points. (Updated 1/14/15)
American History/American Government Tests (2014-15)
Grade
Level
Fall Block Schedule
Interim Test
Grade (Students automatically
9
receive three points for
graduation)
Spring Block Schedule
Full Year Course
State End-of-Course
(Grad - Requirement)
State End-of-Course
(Grad - Requirement)
Interim Test
Grade
OGT – Social Studies
10
(Grad - Requirement)
State End-of-Course
Test
OGT – Social Studies
(Grad - Requirement)
State End-of-Course
Test
OGT – Social Studies
(Grad - Requirement)
Interim Test
Grade
OGT retake – Social
11
Studies (if needed)
State End-of-Course Test State End-of-Course Test
OGT retake – Social
OGT retake – Social
Studies (if needed)
Studies (if needed)
Interim Test
Grade
OGT retake – Social
12
Studies (if needed)
State End-of-Course Test State End-of-Course Test
OGT retake – Social
OGT retake – Social
Studies (if needed)
Studies (if needed)
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Are there integrated math end-of-course tests that can be used instead of Algebra I and
geometry tests?
Yes, there will be integrated math tests for schools that have integrated math coursework. These will
be available for schools at the same time as the Algebra I and geometry end-of-course
tests. (Updated 9/3/14)
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General Questions as of January 5, 2015
The graduation video for students makes everything look easy, but we still do not have all the
information we need. When will we know more?
Beyond the video, the department updates the information in the FAQ on its website once decisions
are made and voted on by the State Board of Education. The department is prioritizing decisions that
relate to students who are closest to graduation. Note that educators may subscribe to the RSS feed
on the FAQ page to receive regular updates as they are made. (New 3/11/15)
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How do the new graduation options work for dropout recovery or credit recovery schools?
Students at a dropout recovery or credit recovery school also must be prepared to follow one of the
three pathways (i.e., need 18 points to graduate; earn a remediation-free score on the college
readiness assessment; or obtain industry-recognized credentials and pass the WorkKeys
assessment). However, these schools have the option of not administering the end-of-course tests if
students are not at the appropriate place in the school’s competency-based curriculum at the time of
the testing window. Each school or district makes a local decision about how to best prepare
students to meet those requirements. (New 3/11/15)
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Are there fields in student software systems to fill in and/or track the graduation
requirements?
Districts should consult with their Information Technology Centers and student software providers to
get answers to software coding questions. (New 3/11/15)
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Substitute tests don't get results until after graduation, so how do we ensure a fair
conversion for college-earned grades?
Although it is true that some tests do not receive grades until after student graduation, most students
taking AP or college courses already will have satisfied the graduation requirements. Students who
have not satisfied the requirements should consider this timing issue when choosing whether to take
the state test or another option. (New 3/11/15)
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Will remediation guidelines be similar to those for taking OGTs?
The department is determining the answer to this question. (New 3/11/15)
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What should a teacher's response be to a parent who says their child will not take one, any or
all assessments?
Many districts are receiving communications from some families refusing their children’s participation
in state tests this spring. The department encourages schools to talk with families about their
concerns regarding testing. To help inform this conversation, the department has developed this
information for districts and families about student participation in state tests.
There is no law that allows a parent or student to opt out of state testing and there is no state test
opt-out procedure or form. It also details the consequences for students, teachers and districts when
students do not participate in state tests.
The department has other resources to help this conversation, including information on state tests.
For example, many refer to all the state tests as “PARCC tests.” However, English language arts
and mathematics are the only subjects that are PARCC tests. The Ohio Graduation Tests, the third
grade reading test this year, and all the science and social studies tests are created by Ohio using a
different test vendor.
Please direct questions to statetests@education.ohio.gov. (New 3/11/15)
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Students receive three graduation points for high school courses prior to July 1, 2015, if an
end-of-course test is not available. Are there other options for these students to earn more
than three points?
In addition to automatically earning three points upon course completion prior to July 1, 2015,
students have two other options. First, the students may use the course grade (as it appears on their
transcripts) to earn graduation points. In early 2015, Ohio’s state superintendent of public instruction
and chancellor of higher education will identify how course grades will translate into a number of
earned graduation points. Second, students may still take the test when it is available to achieve
more than three graduation points.
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Do the new graduation requirements apply to students at nonpublic schools?
o
o
Yes. All students attending a chartered nonpublic school must meet the course and assessment
requirements in order to earn an Ohio diploma. This includes the seven end-of-course tests and the
college admissions test. However, a committee of elected officials and stakeholders are meeting to
recommend what the graduation requirements for these students will be in the future.
Students attending a non-chartered, nonpublic schools or are being homeschooled do not need to
meet the new graduation or assessment requirements.
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Option – Graduation Points
How many points will I receive for my score on the Advanced Placement or International
Baccalaureate substitute test?
The following conversion chart should be used to determine the number of graduation points a
student will receive for their score on an AP or IB substitute test.
AP and IB crosswalk to graduation points
Advanced
Placement
International
Baccalaureate
Ohio Graduation
Points
4 or 5
6 or 7
5
3
4 or 5
4
2
2 or 3
3
2
1
1
1
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Who determines whether students get the automatic three points toward graduation or the
grade conversion?
The department will release guidance regarding the grade conversion in the coming months. This
will help students and districts make the decision that is in the best interest of students, either to
choose the grade conversion or the automatic three points. (New 3/11/15)
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Who keeps track of all the graduation points students are acquiring?
School districts must ensure that students have the required points for graduation. (New 3/11/15)
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How do Advance Placement, International Baccalaureate and dual enrollment college credit
test scores translate to state test scores for the purposes of graduation?
The department will have an answer by the end of the 2014-2015 school year. (Updated 2/19/15)
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Students receive three graduation points for high school courses prior to July 1, 2015, if an
end-of-course exam is not available. Are there other options for these students to earn more
than three points?
In addition to automatically earning three points upon course completion prior to July 1, 2015,
students have two other options. First, the students may use the course grade (as it appears on their
transcripts) to earn graduation points. In early 2015, Ohio’s state superintendent of public instruction
and chancellor of higher education will identify how course grades will translate into a number of
earned graduation points. Second, students may still take the exam when it is available to achieve
more than three graduation points. (Updated 1/5/15)
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A student who completed and received credit for a high school course in middle school prior
to July 1, 2014 earns three graduation points. If the student takes the associated end-ofcourse exam in the effort to score higher and scores a 1 or 2 on the exam, will the student
lose the three points already earned?
No, the student keeps the three points. A higher score of 4 or 5 on the end-of-course exam counts
for the student’s graduation points. If the student takes the end-of-course exam, the score (higher or
lower) may be included on the school and district report card. (Updated 1/5/15)
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Can a student take both Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate substitute
exams and the state end-of-course exam and use the higher score for graduation points?
The Ohio Department of Education does not recommend the double testing of students. If students
are taking the AP or IB exam, we recommend that the district use that exam for graduation points.
For students who take an AP or IB course but do not choose to take the associated exam, they must
take the state end-of-course exam for that course. (Updated 1/5/15)
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In order to receive three graduation points when the end-of-course test is not available, do
students have to receive high school credit for the course?
Yes, the law is specific on this. Students who took a high school course prior to grade
9 MUSTreceive high school credit for the course in order earn three graduation points without taking
an end-of-course test for that course.
There are two requirements for a high school course:
1. An appropriately licensed educator teaches the course; and
2. The requirements for the course are the same as for the high school course.
Additionally, the student’s high school transcript must begin after completion of the high school
course. (Updated 1/5/15)
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What is the minimum score students need to get on each end-of-course test to graduate?
o
o
o
Students are not required to score a minimum level on any one test. Instead, they must show they
are ready to graduate using a series of tests depending on their academic goals. Starting in the
2015-2016 school year, schools may use the end-of-course tests to replace course finals if schools
choose to do so.
Students can earn graduation points based on their performance on end-of-course tests. A student
scoring in the highest level, advanced, will earn five points and a student scoring in the lowest level,
limited, will earn one point. Students scoring proficient will receive three points.
If a student wants to graduate using the end-of-course tests and the graduation points system,
students must earn 18 graduation points across all end-of-course tests. To ensure the student is well
rounded, they must earn a minimum of four points in math, four points in English and six points
across science and social studies. (Updated 9/3/14)
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Can a student retake a test for a higher score?
Students who score below proficient on a test may retake it after they receive remediation supports
on the material. Students who score proficient or higher on an end-of-course test can retake tests
only if, after they’ve taken all the tests, they still have not met the minimum graduation points to
graduate (18 points overall or content area minimums). In this case, a student can retake any test
after receiving remediation on the material. The same rules apply to substitute tests, which may be
used interchangeably with approved tests. There is no subsequent need to score higher than the 18point minimum (example: honors diploma, etc.). (Updated 9/3/14)
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Option – College Readiness
How will the college-readiness tests work?
The department is in the process of selecting the test vendor(s) for college readiness test(s). We
expect to have information by the beginning of 2015-2016 school year to answer the questions
about:
o
o
o
o
Testing sites;
Available times on weekends, during school and after school;
Cut scores; and
Special education students and accommodations.
(New 3/11/15)
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Are students required to take the college admission test?
The department will have an answer by the end of the 2014-2015 school year. (Updated 2/19/15)
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Will the state pay to have students take the college admission test even if they do not plan to
pursue a college degree?
Yes. (Updated 2/19/15)
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Are schools going to be reimbursed for the cost of the college admission test, or will the
state cover the costs of the test up front?
The department will have an answer before the start of the 2015-2016 school year. (Updated
2/19/15)
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If a student wants to graduate using the college admissions test pathway, does the student
need to take the end-of-course tests?
All students must complete the course requirements and assessment requirements in the seven
approved courses. This means that all students will take the end-of-course tests for the seven
courses and the college admissions test. Students may choose which pathway to pursue after
considering their educational goals and their performance on the tests. If a student chooses to use a
pathway that doesn’t rely on end-of-course test scores (such as the college admissions test), the
student must still take the end-of-course tests. (Updated 9/3/14)
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What is the college admissions test? When does it start and will any score count or just the
score on the test given by the state?
The college admissions test will be selected by the State Board in spring 2015. A student may use
his or her highest verifiable score to meet the graduation requirement, regardless of when the score
was earned. The college admissions test will begin as a requirement when this year’s freshmen
reach their junior year (2016-2017). However, there may be a pilot run of the test one year before
that. (Updated 1/12/15)
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Option – Work Readiness and Credentials
Does the student have to be in an approved career-technical program to pursue the
credential or can the student take it from his or her home school?
Students may pursue the industry credential option regardless of enrollment in a career-tech
program. The student also will take the WorkKeys test for this option outside of a career-tech
program. (New 3/11/15)
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Not all of the published industry-recognized skills are attainable or possible to be performed
by high school students. Why?
The list is used for purposes beyond graduation requirements for traditional high school students.
For example, it also applies to students enrolled in the Adult Diploma Pilot Program, which is an
avenue for high school dropouts to transition to the workforce. This is why some of the credentials
require previous experience. (New 3/11/15)
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What industry-recognized credentials are on the approved list?
There is a two-step process to identify industry-recognized credentials that students can use for
graduation. First, the list includes industry-recognized credentials tied to Ohio in-demand
occupations. The resulting list from step one is now available here. In step two, community
stakeholders, including parents, schools and businesses, may suggest additional credentials for this
list. Here is the application that individuals can use to suggest a credential. Applications are due
March 1, 2015. The Ohio Department of Education will review and consider additional credentials for
the list. (Updated 1/5/15)
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Which test will be required for work readiness?
To select a test, the State Board of Education conducted a competitive bid process. In November
2014, the State Board designated ACT WorkKeys as the work readiness assessment. (Updated
1/5/15)
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Other Questions
Do scores in AP, IB and dual enrollment have to have the same weights in student GPAs?
Yes. This is in state law. (Updated 2/19/15)
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Will the biology exam data be on the 2014-2015 report card?
No. The reporting of data for the end-of-course biology exam will begin with the report card for the
2015-2016 school year. (Updated 1/5/15)
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Will the practice test be available for the biology test before it is given in the 2015-2016
school year? Will this test be available in both online and paper versions? What is the testing
window for administering the test?
A practice test will be available in the spring/summer of 2015.
There will only be online versions of all state end-of-course exams beginning in the 2015-2016
school year, including biology. Paper forms will be available as an accommodation.
The biology test will be operational starting with the fall block schedule in the 2015-2016 school
year. (Updated 1/5/15)
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How do the new graduation requirements impact students with disabilities?
All students, including students with disabilities, must participate in state assessments. The
Individualized Education Program (IEP) team may exempt a student with disabilities from
consequences of not being proficient on end-of-course tests. When the IEP team determines a
student is exempt from being proficient on an end-of-course test, the student may receive three
points (equivalent to proficient) for each exempted test required for graduation. There is no alternate
test for end-of-course tests.
Some students may be eligible to participate in an alternate assessment per the Alternate
Assessment for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities participation guidelines. For these
students, a proficient score in each of the content areas – English language arts, mathematics,
science and social studies – may replace the graduation requirement of a minimum composite score
on the seven end-of-course tests. (Updated 1/5/15)
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What are the graduation requirements for students who transfer into the district after
completing some or all of the courses with tests?
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Students who transfer into a district with no previous scores and only a few courses with
corresponding tests will have their graduation point requirement minimum prorated. The table below
shows how the points change based on the number of tests remaining:
Graduation Points Requirement for Transfer Students
Tests Remaining
Points Required
Tests Remaining
Points Required
7
18
4
10
6
15
3
8
5
13
2
5
Note: Students must earn a minimum of five points across the English II and either
the Integrated II or Geometry end-of-course tests.
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Regardless of the tests remaining, transfer students must earn a minimum of five points across the
English II and either the Integrated II or geometry end-of-course tests in order to graduate. So, if a
student transfers in with only geometry and American government left to take, the student would be
required to take an English II test to reach the five points (unless the student scores a five on the
geometry).
If a student transfers in with only one test or no tests remaining, the student will take the college
admissions test right away. If the student does not earn a remediation-free score, then the student
must take the English II and Integrated II end-of-course tests and earn at least five points across the
two in order to graduate.
The graduation point option takes effect with the class of 2018. These are students who are entering
ninth grade for the first time in the 2014-2015 school year. (Updated 9/3/14)
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