Ashley Bonner, South O’Brien Junior High/High School Guidance Counselor introduced to the Board of Education a solid case for increasing the credit requirements for graduates of South O’Brien beginning with the Class of 2026. Bonner recommended adding 4 credits to meet graduation requirements. Freshmen in the 2022-23 school year would be the first class under the new requirements.
In February, Bonner presented the idea. Bonner opened by conveying to the school board that the examination of graduation requirements conducted by her and principal Denise Phillips, started from the perspective of the district’s mission, vision and a higher standard of expectation for the students. The average number of credits required for graduation from area high schools is 49. South O’Brien requires a minimum of 45 credits to graduate.
She outlined the number of credits from each education category a student must earn to reach the minimum 45 total required. Language Arts requires 8 credits; math and science requires 6 credits; history demands 7 credits; health 2 and career technical credits (CTE), like industrial technology or a business course, 1 credit. PE requires 8. That is 32 of the required 45 credits.
Bonner offered to the board adding 1 fine arts credit, band, choir, art or consumer science; and an additional CTE credit. The additional 2 credits could be an elective.
The board briefly asked about foreign language requirements. South O’Brien does not currently require any foreigh language credits, but Bonner stated that could certainly be considered.
She further noted during discussion with the board that most South O’Brien students easily meet graduation requirements at their senior year mid-term and a few can make it happen by the end of their junior year under current requirements.
The issue was brought to the board at the March 28 meeting for approval when it passed.