Washington lawmakers must not lower high-school graduation requirements

STATE lawmakers supporting a pair of alternative high-school graduation bills are creating separate and unequal academic tracks.

A misguided Senate passed its bill lowering graduation requirements for some students. The House plans to hold hearings Friday on its version. Both bills lower the current state requirement of 19 credits for graduation down to 16 and a 3.0 grade-point average. It is a puzzling move considering the state Board of Education's recent shift to 24 credits for graduation.

Gov. Chris Gregoire should prepare her veto pen.

A two-track system hinders efforts to ensure every high-school graduate is ready for college or the workplace. It sends a confusing message. Should students aim for the rigorous standards set by the state board or opt for the easier 16-credits route pushed by legislators?

Supporters of the bills mistakenly see the 3.0 GPA requirement as indicative of rigor. But grading systems vary from district to district. Their legislative effort doesn't prevent a student who gets a D in a critical subject such as math from still graduating if they earned high marks in other subject areas.

The bills also exempt students opting for the lesser track from needing to pass a state exam to graduate. None of this moves students toward a meaningful diploma.

Proponents of the legislation explain their dive to the bottom as an attempt to conform to the minimum standards set by the state Higher Education Coordinating Board. That is not true. The board's 16-credit standard defines the basic knowledge students need coming out of high school. It sets a floor, not a ceiling.

It is doubtful that school districts with high standards will allow their students to strive for the bare minimum. If this standard is not good enough for Bellevue or Mercer Island, why is it good enough for students anywhere?

Too many students already graduate from public schools in need of remedial classes in college. It is unacceptable that these students end up paying out of pocket to get what they should have gotten for free in the K-12 system.

Lawmakers must stop tinkering around the edges of education reform. Instead of creating an academic fast track to nowhere, the Legislature should turn its attention to meaningful steps that improve funding and ensure educational opportunities reach every student.