24 credits to graduate

Rasing the minimum credits Washington state requires for high-school graduation is a necessary move to complement heightened standards and the goal of a meaningful diploma.

The 19-credit minimum was outdated. All but eight states in the country have moved beyond it. Washington's shift to 24 credits pushes expectations for high-school graduates into the 21st century.

"While Washington state's graduation requirements have not changed since 1985, our world has," said State Board of Education chair Mary Jean Ryan. "Globalization and technology have dramatically changed our economy and the skills required for good-paying jobs."

The increase is good for all students. State education officials laid out multiple tracks that offer diverse options for students after high school. A strong foundation in core subjects gives each student the basics.

But the paths diverge, with one preparing students to meet admission requirements for four-year colleges, a second offering career and technical preparation, and a third emphasizing apprenticeships and trade careers. Students can switch tracks.

Challenges reside in the implementation of the plan in the state's 295 school districts. The state pays for only five periods a day but the 24-credit minimum will necessitate six-period days.

Some districts use levy funds to pay for more periods. The Bellevue School District spends up to $3 million a year for a sixth period and has extended the model to middle schools.

Bellevue offers a worthy example because the more class offerings, the more likely students can meet core requirements and have room to take art, music, world languages or remedial and advanced classes. For poorer districts, extra periods are unaffordable.

The Legislature must pay for six-period days in order for this plan to work.

Yet another challenge will be the need to create courses and find teachers. For example, the ratcheting up of math requirements comes as districts report a dearth of qualified math teachers. Other districts struggle with inadequate career and vocational course offerings.

Nonetheless, the bar has been raised; districts must help students over it.