Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, March 14, 1992 TAG: 9203160131
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER
DATELINE: DUBLIN LENGTH: Medium
They will be studying the new graduation requirements their children may have to meet after the 1992-93 school year.
The proposed changes in graduation requirements were mailed Friday to parents whose children would be affected in the next several years.
Pulaski County High School Principal Thomas DeBolt outlined them to the School Board Thursday night, and the board is expected to act on them sometime after its public hearing on the budget next Thursday.
Starting with the class of 1994, which is the present sophomore class, graduates must have 24 instead of 21 credits to get a diploma.
The three additional credits for the regular diploma come from requiring seven elective credits instead of six, two for fine or practical arts instead of one, and three math credits instead of two.
Vocational courses would no longer be accepted substitutes for a math requirement, but would still be allowed for a science requirement.
The advanced studies diploma will require 25 credits instead of 23.
The difference is a requirement for six elective credits instead of four. The math courses must include algebra I and two courses above that level. Another requirement is that the three required laboratory sciences include units from earth science, biology and chemistry and physics.
Other proposed changes include requiring students in grades 9-11 to take at least seven courses totaling at least 6 1/2 credits. Seniors would be required to take at least six courses totaling at least six credits.
To take drivers education, 10th-grade students would have to be enrolled in at least six classes with passing grades in at least five.
Also, they could not have more than 10 absences in the preceding semester. Repeated disciplinary problems could keep a sophomore out of drivers ed.
GRADUATION CREDIT REQUIREMENTS\ Changes in bold type; starting with Class of 1994.i\
English (remains at 4)
Mathematics (goes from 2 to 3)
Laboratory science (remains at 2)
Science (stays at 1, formerly allowed for either mathematics or science)
Virginia, U.S. history (remains at 1)
Virginia, U.S. government (remains at 1)
World geography (remains at 1)
Health, physical education (remains at 1)
Fine arts or practical arts (goes from 1 to 2)
Electives (goes from 6 to 7)
Total goes from 21 to 24
by CNB