Denver’s high schoolers would have greater flexibility in choosing their courses under new graduation requirements proposed to the school board Thursday.
Two years ago the board vastly increased the graduation requirements. And Thursday’s proposal was made to tweak those changes, affecting this year’s junior class.
The board will accept public comment on the changes before voting at a later meeting.
Under the new proposal, students would have more choices. For example, under current requirements, students must take earth science and biology, and choose between chemistry or physics.
Under the new requirements, students still will need three years of science, with two of those chosen from among earth science, biology, chemistry and physics, but the student will have more flexibility on the third course.
“It’s important for students to be challenged, while also having the opportunity to take the classes that best suit their college and career plans,” Denver Public Schools chief academic officer Ana Tilton said. “By reducing the number of specific courses that kids have to take, while still maintaining rigor, we’d be allowing more flexibility in pursuing the areas that will help them most in college and their careers.”
What requirements would change
Current:
Two years of world language; three years of science (earth, biology, and chemistry or physics); social studies (one year of U.S. history, one year of geography, half year of civics); one year of fine arts; students could get a diploma for fifth-year dual enrollment; declared area of focus requiring additional year of study in selected content area.
Proposed:
One year of world language; three years of science (two from earth, biology, chemistry or physics); social studies (one year of U.S. history, half year of civics and one and a half years of social studies); one year of fine arts or career and technical education. Students will get a diploma for concurrent enrollment and don’t have to declare area of focus.
