Kansas High School Graduation Requirements 2024
The Kansas State Board of Education has updated the high school graduation requirements for the Class of 2028 and beyond․ You can find the updated graduation requirements on the Kansas State Department of Education’s website․
New Requirements for the Class of 2028
The Kansas State Board of Education has implemented new graduation requirements for the Class of 2028, the students who will be entering high school in the fall of 2024․ These changes are designed to ensure that all students are well-prepared for college and careers․ The new requirements include a half-credit in financial literacy, an elective in a STEM field, and a half-credit in a communications class․
The intent with the new graduation requirements beginning with the Class of 2028 is for each student to complete the FAFSA prior to graduation․ The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which is used to apply for financial aid for college․ Any student, family, or school can opt a student out of completing the FAFSA․ Students who are not planning to attend college may still benefit from completing the FAFSA, as it can be used to apply for other types of financial aid, such as scholarships and grants․
The new graduation requirements will also impact the way that districts award diplomas․ Each local board of education must have a written policy specifying that students are eligible for graduation only upon completion of at least the minimum graduation requirements approved by the Kansas Board of Education․ Any local board of education may increase the number of units of credit required for graduation․ These changes are intended to ensure that all students are receiving a well-rounded education that will prepare them for success after high school․
Changes to Graduation Requirements
The Kansas State Board of Education has made significant changes to the high school graduation requirements, impacting students entering high school in the fall of 2024 and graduating in 2028․ These changes aim to better prepare students for college and careers by incorporating new skills and knowledge into the curriculum․ The primary focus is on ensuring students are financially literate and have a solid foundation in STEM fields, highlighting the growing importance of these areas in the modern world․
One of the key changes is the addition of a half-credit in financial literacy․ This requirement will equip students with essential skills in managing personal finances, understanding credit, and making informed financial decisions․ Alongside this, students are now required to complete an elective in a STEM field, encouraging exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics․ This requirement aims to foster interest and aptitude in these crucial areas, preparing students for a wide range of future opportunities․
Furthermore, a new requirement for a half-credit in a communications class has been introduced․ This aims to enhance students’ communication skills, both written and verbal, preparing them for effective communication in academic and professional settings․ These changes reflect the evolving needs of the workforce and the importance of strong communication skills in today’s interconnected world․
Minimum Graduation Requirements
The Kansas State Board of Education has set forth minimum graduation requirements that all students must meet to receive a high school diploma․ These requirements are designed to ensure a well-rounded education, providing students with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for success in future endeavors․
Students are required to complete a minimum of 21 credits, spread across various subject areas․ These include four credits of English, three credits of mathematics, three credits of science, three credits of social studies, one credit of physical education, one credit of fine arts, and 0․5 credits each of financial literacy and career and technical education (CTE)․
The minimum graduation requirements are designed to provide students with a strong foundation in core academic subjects, as well as exposure to areas like physical education, arts, and vocational training․ This balanced curriculum aims to develop well-rounded individuals with diverse skills and knowledge, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities they will face in their personal and professional lives․
FAFSA Requirement
The new Kansas high school graduation requirements, starting with the Class of 2028, include a significant addition⁚ a requirement for students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) prior to graduation․ This initiative aims to encourage students to explore post-secondary options and access potential financial aid opportunities․
The FAFSA is a crucial tool for students seeking financial assistance for college, allowing them to apply for grants, loans, and work-study programs․ By making the FAFSA a graduation requirement, Kansas seeks to demystify the financial aid process and empower students to pursue higher education without financial barriers;
It’s important to note that students, families, and schools have the option to opt out of completing the FAFSA if they choose․ This allows for flexibility and accommodates individual circumstances․ However, the requirement emphasizes the importance of exploring post-secondary options and accessing available financial resources․
Financial Literacy and STEM Electives
The updated Kansas high school graduation requirements, effective with the Class of 2028, introduce new emphasis on financial literacy and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, reflecting the evolving needs of the 21st-century workforce․
Students graduating in 2028 and beyond will be required to earn a half-credit in financial literacy, ensuring they develop fundamental knowledge about personal finance, budgeting, saving, and responsible debt management․ This integration of financial literacy into the curriculum equips students with essential skills for navigating the complexities of personal finances in the modern world․
In addition, students are now required to complete an elective in a STEM field, fostering their interest and potential in these critical areas․ This requirement encourages exploration of STEM careers, promotes problem-solving skills, and cultivates a foundation for future success in technology-driven industries․ The inclusion of STEM electives aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in a world increasingly reliant on STEM innovation․
District-Specific Requirements
While the Kansas State Board of Education sets minimum graduation requirements, individual school districts in Kansas have the authority to establish additional, district-specific requirements that go beyond the state mandates․ These district-specific requirements can vary significantly across different districts in the state, reflecting the unique educational priorities and community needs of each district․
For instance, some districts may require a higher number of total credits for graduation, while others might have specific course requirements in areas like foreign language or community service․ It’s crucial for students to consult their individual school district’s policies and handbooks to understand the complete set of graduation requirements, including any district-specific additions․
These district-specific requirements can provide tailored educational opportunities for students, aligning with local needs and aspirations․ However, it’s essential for students to be aware of these additional requirements to ensure they meet all the necessary criteria for graduation․
Graduation Requirements Task Force
The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) established a Graduation Requirements Task Force to oversee the process of updating and revising the state’s high school graduation requirements․ This task force comprises a diverse group of stakeholders, including educators, administrators, parents, and community representatives, all working collaboratively to ensure the new graduation requirements effectively prepare students for success in college, career, and life․
The task force’s primary objective is to analyze current graduation requirements, identify areas for improvement, and propose recommendations for new requirements that align with the evolving needs of the 21st-century workforce and higher education landscape․ Through thorough research, analysis, and consultation with various stakeholders, the task force aims to develop a comprehensive and forward-thinking set of graduation requirements that provide a strong foundation for all Kansas high school graduates․
The task force’s work is a testament to the KSDE’s commitment to ensuring a high-quality education for all Kansas students and equipping them with the essential knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world․
Graduation Programs
Kansas high schools offer a variety of graduation programs designed to cater to the diverse needs and interests of students․ These programs provide a structured framework for students to pursue their academic goals, explore their passions, and prepare for their future endeavors․
Some common graduation programs include the Minimum High School Program (MHSP), Recommended High School Program (RHSP), and Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP)․ The MHSP represents the core curriculum required for all students, while the RHSP encourages students to take more advanced courses and challenge themselves academically․ The DAP is designed for students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and are seeking a rigorous and enriching educational experience․
Beyond these traditional programs, many schools offer specialized pathways and endorsements, allowing students to focus their studies on specific career fields, such as STEM, business, or the arts․ These programs often include internships, apprenticeships, and other hands-on experiences that provide valuable real-world skills and prepare students for their chosen professions․
Graduation Requirements by School District
While the Kansas State Board of Education sets minimum graduation requirements for all high schools, individual school districts have the authority to establish additional requirements that may go beyond the state minimum․ These district-specific requirements can vary significantly depending on the district’s priorities and resources․
Some districts may require students to complete a certain number of elective courses, participate in community service, or demonstrate proficiency in specific skills․ For example, some districts may mandate a certain number of credits in fine arts, career and technical education, or foreign languages․ Others might have specific requirements related to financial literacy, civic engagement, or health and wellness․
To ensure you are aware of your school district’s specific graduation requirements, it is crucial to consult the district’s website or contact your school counselor․ This will help you understand the specific courses, credits, and other criteria you need to meet to graduate․
Graduation Requirements for Students in Custody
The Kansas State Department of Education recognizes the unique circumstances faced by students in custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) or the Kansas Department for Children and Families (KDCF)․ To ensure these students have the opportunity to earn a high school diploma, the state has specific graduation requirements that apply to them․
Districts are required to award diplomas to students in custody who have met the state minimum graduation requirements, provided they were in custody on or after their 14th birthday․ This means that students in custody can graduate with the same diploma as any other student in Kansas, as long as they fulfill the state’s minimum requirements for graduation․
However, specific details about the implementation of these requirements might vary depending on the individual circumstances of the student and the specific facility or institution where they are in custody․ To understand the specific procedures and requirements, it is essential to contact the educational staff at the student’s facility or the appropriate state agency․