Alabama may soon require students to do more than just pass classes to graduate

State considering new graduation standards

MONTGOMERY, Alabama (WDEF) – How do you know if a high school graduate is really ready for a job or university?

Alabama used to make them take a graduation test, but dropped it 8 years ago.

Now students just have to pass their classes to earn their diploma.

The state Board of Education is considering requiring something more.

They have a checklist of 9 things that a student can do to show they are ready for the next step.

The new rule would require them to complete just one of the following:

— Advanced Placement exam (college)

— International Baccalaureate exam (college)

— ACT college entrance exam (college)

— ACT WorkKeys test (a workplace skills test)

— college credit

— military service

— career tech credential

— youth apprenticeship

— career and technical education completer status

It may sound like most students do this anyway at some point of their academic career.

But last year, 92% of students graduated, but only 76% hit one of the nine benchmarks.

The Alabama State Board will consider adding the new graduation requirement in September with a final vote coming in November.

If it passes, next year’s ninth graders would be the first class to have to meet the requirement.