Lower Standards for High School Diploma

Sounds wrong? That's probably because most people talk about improving standards to increase success at the college level. Many students are entering colleges unprepared, and yet some states are lowering their standards for a high school diploma? Education is supposed to improve the position of the United States in the global economy and also improve the socioeconomic status of individuals. If standards are lowered, doesn't that mean that the United States will be taking a step back in the global marketplace and that the individuals in these states will not fare as well as the rest of the country?

States Lower Test Standards for a High School Diploma

An article in the NYTimes this week states that Pennsylvania adopted a new state law that is supposed to ensure that students are graduating high school prepared for college, but many say that the law is watering down the requirements.

The rules in Pennsylvania require students to pass at least four courses, with the end-of-course exams counting for a third of the course grade. If students fail an exam or a section of an exam, they will have two chances to retake it. If they cannot pass after that, they have the option of doing a subject-specific project that is approved by district officials.

Theoretically, a student would be able to graduate from high school without having mastered the required curriculum. I am not sure how that prepares students for college. You are not allowed to retake certain parts of finals that you fail in college. So why would doing so in high school prepare you for college?

The new system in Pennsylvania is not the only one receiving criticism. Other states, like NJ, NY, Texas, Arkansas, and Massachusetts, are being criticized as well. States have eliminated parts of the test so that students would be able to pass at higher rates. If you ask me, these new tests are not preparing more students for college, they are just ensuring that more students complete high school by watering down exams. This will do nothing but put these students at a disadvantage to their peers.

Lower Standards for High School Diploma