Assistant Superintendent Presents Revised Graduation Requirements

Dr. Helga Einhorn, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, presented the latest changes to the Maryland State Department of Education graduation requirements (COMAR13A.03.02) to the Talbot County Board of Education at their June meeting.

In May, the Maryland State Board of Education approved revisions to COMAR13A.03.02, which outlines the Graduation Requirements for Public High Schools in Maryland. The following changes have been approved by MSDE:

Graduation Requirements

• The number of credits required to graduate will increase from 21 to 22 for the incoming 9^th grade class (Class of 2025). This was an existing graduation requirement for Talbot County Public Schools.
• The number of mathematics credits required will increase from three to four.
• Students will now be required to earn a full credit in Health instead of the half credit previously required.
• Computer science and engineering will be added to the subject of Technology Education.
• The Advanced Technology course will be deleted as an option for meeting graduation requirements. TCPS has already phased out advanced technology while expanding Career and Technical offerings for students.

In addition, the credits required for science must include courses in life science, physical science, and a course that integrates earth/space science.

State assessments for English, Algebra, Science and Government will move from stand-alone assessments that students must take and pass, to end of course assessments which count as 20% of the final grade beginning in 2022-2023. Taking the assessment in 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 will meet the graduation requirement.

The MSDE also acted to adopt a College Ready StateEndorsement and a Career and TechnicalState Endorsement for diplomas.

According to Dr. Einhorn, “All of these changes will necessitate us making revisions to our Program of Study.” She noted that, “I am working on these changes so we can advise incoming 9^th graders and their families this summer and incorporate a review of these changes as a component of our 9^th grade orientations and Back-to-School activities.”