All over the state of Virginia, incoming freshman (2018) will see a change. The State Board of Education has created a new design of requirements for the class of 2021. Everything we know about graduation requirements will change.

Beginning in 2018, high school freshmen will no longer have to study for four years to attain class credits, or receive verified credits. The new design of high schools (curriculum) across Virginia will transform into two-year sections with multiple experiences available to those working to graduate. Most or all core classes will be taught in their freshman and sophomore years. Then as juniors and seniors they will be given some options: developing skills for a four-year college degree, make arrangements for a two-year community college degree, or the chance to leave high school with a certification that says they’re ready to work for one of several industries in this region. The State Board of Education is stressing the importance of job skills to high schoolers, in terms of internships and apprenticeships being worth credits needed to graduate.

The legislation that laid this plan out requires that two public hearings are held in each of the eight regions in Virginia to answer questions about the new graduation regulations  before they go into effect with the 2018 school year.  All  current sophomores, juniors, and seniors will graduate under the old system. The state is now encouraging schools to build relationships with local business to train students, and ask permission from the state to substitute industry certification and state licensure exams for SOLs.

Mr. Doering said, “It’s a great idea, and it’s about time we change.” He concluded with, “It will be very interesting to see what happens.” High school is changing as we know it.