BOE seeks further details on graduation requirements

By Derrick DePledge
Advertiser Education Writer

Members of the state Board of Education yesterday asked for more details on new high school graduation requirements, delaying action for at least a month.

The board wants the state Department of Education to review the recommendations of a task force that has been working for more than two years on the new requirements.

Board members questioned task force suggestions to reduce the number of social studies credits from four to three and to add a one-credit senior project.

Several board members wanted details of how schools would implement the senior projects, which could vary greatly from student to student. Board members also asked whether the projects would burden teachers.

The task force recommended increasing the overall number of credits needed to graduate from 22 to 22 1/2 credits.

The task force's biggest controversy was a proposal to reduce P.E., but the group ultimately decided to leave the P.E. requirement at one credit.

The board is targeting the new requirements for students who graduate in 2010 and after.

Reach Derrick DePledge at ddepledge@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8084.