Here are the new Kansas high school graduation requirements, starting in fall 2024
For the first time in two decades, Kansas high schoolers will soon have new graduation requirements.
The Kansas State Board of Education voted Wednesday to approve the new minimum high school graduation requirements. They will go into effect with this fall's freshman class, meaning the graduating class of 2028. Older students will still operate under the old requirements.
The old graduation requirements had been in place since 2005 — before current high schoolers were born. The new requirements are the culmination of a multiyear effort that started with a task force in June 2021.
Here's what to know about the new Kansas high school graduation requirements:
Completing the FAFSA application
High school seniors will have to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Educators said that making the FAFSA a graduation requirement is intended to get students to take advantage of federal financial aid that they may not have known they qualified for had they not applied.
However, the graduation requirement can be satisfied by a waiver from the parents if they would prefer to not fill out the FAFSA. Superintendents could also exempt a student.
'Accomplishments' in 'postsecondary assets'
Before they may graduate, high school student must now complete "two or more accomplishments approved by the state board that demonstrate the pupil will be a successful Kansas high school graduate."
Educators said the new requirement in "postsecondary assets" was inspired by research that found "students are far more successful after high school if they have done something during their high school years other than sitting in a class."
Service projects, community service hours, youth apprenticeships and participating in athletics are among the options for fulfilling that graduation requirement. Other possibilities include obtaining an industry-recognized certification in a career and technical education course, such as welding, completing college classes while in high school, becoming an Eagle Scout, earning a 4-H Key Award or being in Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps.
The 21 credit minimum
Kansas is not changing the required minimum of 21 total credits to graduate high school. However, most if not all of the state's 286 public school districts require more than the minimum.
English language arts
Four units of English language arts are still required, but now a semester of communications will be a required part of the curriculum.
Previously, communications was not mandated by the state to be part of English education. Educators indicated the change was inspired by business leaders complaining of poor communication skills of graduates.
English classes now must cover reading, writing, literature, grammar and communication.
Math, science and STEM
There is no change to the required three units of mathematics, which must include algebraic and geometric concepts.
There is no change to the required three units of science, which must include physical, biological and earth and space science with at least one laboratory course.
But there is a new required unit of advanced science, technology, engineering, advanced math or similar studies — also known as STEM. That class would be separate from the required math and science credits.
Educators indicated the STEM requirement was a response to businesses wanting employees with more STEM education.
History and government
There is no change to the required three units of history and government, which must include world history, United States history, U.S. government and concepts of economics and geography.
Physical education and health
Students will see their PE requirement cut from a full year to one semester. That's because the current requirement of one unit of physical education that includes health is now being split into to half credits of PE and health.
Schools could still choose to combine PE and health into a single yearlong course.
Educators said the change was in response to surveys where students and parents indicated that less PE was the most desired change.
Financial literacy
A half unit of financial literacy is a new requirement. The course will emphasize earning income, spending, saving, investing, managing credit and managing risk.
Republican lawmakers have previously pushed for such a graduation requirement, but their legislation never became law.
Fine arts
There is no change to the one required unit of fine arts, which may include art, music, dance, theater, forensics or similar studies.
Electives
The electives requirement is dropping from six units to four and a half. That's to account for the new requirements without increasing the minimum of 21 credits.
More: Kansas high school students could see these new graduation requirements starting this fall
Jason Alatidd is a Statehouse reporter for The Topeka Capital-Journal. He can be reached by email at jalatidd@gannett.com. Follow him on X @Jason_Alatidd.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas updates high school graduation requirements, starting next fall
