Ohio’s Assessment and Graduation Requirements for the Classes of 2021 and Beyond
This guidance provides a preliminary outline of the changes to testing and graduation requirements for the classes of 2021 and beyond. Updates will be made as more information becomes available and additional guidance is finalized.
State law introduced new, long-term graduation requirements for the classes of 2023 and beyond. Students in the classes of 2021 and 2022 have the option to meet the new requirements or the requirements of the original three pathways to graduation. Students in the classes of 2023 and beyond must meet the new requirements outlined in this document, which provides an overview of the changes to Ohio’s state testing system and high school graduation requirements.
Introduction
Each Child, Our Future, Ohio’s strategic plan for education, calls for a student-centered system that addresses the needs of an increasingly diverse student population and prepares students for a rapidly changing workplace. Specifically, the plan seeks to ensure high school inspires students to identify paths to future success and recognizes students demonstrate a variety of skills and knowledge in different ways. These important sets of knowledge, skills and dispositions are necessary for high school graduates to be successful in the workplace, college, the military or other self-sustaining professions.
To that end, Ohio law provides new graduation requirements that offer students opportunities to demonstrate competency and readiness as they pursue their chosen next steps after high school. Students will demonstrate academic and technical competency in the foundational areas of English language arts and mathematics, as well as readiness for their next steps by earning a series of state diploma seals. These seals allow students to demonstrate well-rounded academic, technical and professional knowledge and skills, as well as develop the social and emotional competencies and leadership and reasoning skills that are necessary for post-high school success.
Ohio’s State Testing Requirements
Ohio Revised Code Section 3301.0712
State tests are an essential component for measuring student learning and ensuring every Ohio student receives a high-quality education. As a foundational component of Ohio’s graduation requirements, Ohio’s State Tests give students the opportunity to show what they know and are able to do and help ensure every student who graduates from an Ohio high school is prepared for success.
STATE TESTING REQUIREMENTS – CLASSES OF 2023 AND BEYOND
For students who enter grade 9 on or after July 1, 2019, state testing laws require districts to administer end-of-course tests to all students at the completion of the associated course. The required end-of-course tests include algebra I, geometry, English language arts II, biology, American government and American history.
STATE TESTING REQUIREMENTS – CLASSES OF 2021 AND 2022
For students who entered grade 9 on or after July 1, 2014, but prior to July 1, 2019, state laws require districts to administer seven end-of-course tests to all students at the completion of the associated course. The seven end-of-course tests are algebra I (or integrated math I), geometry (or integrated math II), English language arts I, English language arts II, biology, American government and American history.
Additionally, districts and schools are required to administer the state-funded ACT or SAT to all juniors (see exceptions on the Department's website) during the spring of the junior year.
Last Modified: 4/18/2024 2:14:25 PM