SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii -- New high school diploma requirements for all Hawaii public school students were approved, recently.
The Hawaii State Board of Education unanimously approved the policy change.
The new requirements target graduating students who are planning to enter universities and colleges and those who compete in a global workforce.
The class of 2016 will initiate the new 24-credit "Hawaii High School Diploma." The new requirements will bring relevance and rigor to student achievement while preparing graduates for entry into post-secondary education and careers.
BOE Policy 4540 has been under review since June to determine the best course credits for a rigorous course of study. Biology, Algebra I and Geometry will be required courses. Also, students can choose a senior project as one of six elective credits.
This new policy is one of the key components of Hawaii's $75-million Race to the Top plan and the DOE's 2011 Strategic Plan to incorporate high-quality and career-ready standards and assessments to the statewide curriculum.
"We thank the board for approving a graduation policy that fully supports our state's reform efforts to improve student achievement," said Kathryn Matayoshi, state superintendent. "Hawaii public school graduates must be able to successfully compete globally in an academic or work arena. This action moves us another step closer to building a stronger sustainable economic and social foundation for the state."
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