Requirements for diploma may grow

More math for sure. Maybe more English, social studies and foreign language, too.

Tuesday, State Board of Education members will be in Seattle to discuss raising the minimum number and types of classes students need to graduate from high school, and perhaps changing other state graduation requirements, such as the in-depth "culminating" project.

The board members aren't looking at removing the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) as one of the graduation requirements — that's something they support, said Edie Harding, the board's executive director.

They are considering adding to the list of courses students must take — perhaps matching what most four-year public colleges and universities expect of their applicants. And they're discussing whether to add a number of "lifelong learning skills" that students would have to demonstrate, such as leadership, civic responsibility and teamwork.

At the meetings, they also plan to ask:

• What essential skills should students learn in high school?

• Should all students be required to meet the same requirements to earn a diploma, or should there be more than one diploma, as is the case in a number of other states?

• In 2012, students will have to take at least three years of math (required by the state Legislature), so what kind of math classes will be acceptable?

Now, the state requires graduates to earn at least 19 credits and pass reading and writing on the WASL (or an approved alternative). If students don't pass the math WASL, they must continue taking math classes. All students also must complete the culminating project and a "high school and beyond" plan for their future.

Districts can add to those requirements, and many have. Of the 33 school districts in King and Snohomish counties, for example, 20 require four credits of English, rather than the state minimum of three. Eight of the districts require three credits of math. Until 2012, the state requires two.

Seattle Public Schools requires three credits of English and two in math.

To match the entrance requirements for most public colleges and universities, the State Board said it would have to add an additional year of English and math to the state minimums, and two years of a foreign language. (Washington students now can graduate without taking a foreign-language class, unless their district requires it.) The board also would need to add another semester of social studies.

The board will decide on any changes by July and then would work with the Legislature to provide the money necessary to put them into effect.

Linda Shaw: 206-464-2359 or lshaw@seattletimes.com