Galonski announces bill to extend temporary fix for graduation requirements

State Rep. Tavia Galonski (D-Akron) today announced the introduction of House Bill (HB) 630, her plan to extend current Ohio high school alternative graduation requirements for two more years. The bill comes as parents and students face uncertainty as permanent fixes to Ohio high school graduation requirements continue to be debated at the Statehouse.

“Continuing to move the goalposts for graduation requirements is unfair to teachers, parents, and most importantly, students,” said Rep. Galonski. “HB 630 extends current requirements and ensures students continue to graduate as state lawmakers devise long-term fixes to Ohio’s graduation requirements.”

High school seniors were previously required to pass seven end-of-year exams before qualifying for a diploma. However, difficulties surrounding the validity, scoring and accuracy of high-stakes standardized testing forced lawmakers to add language to the most recent state budget to include temporary alternative pathways to graduation, such as maintaining good grades, meeting career-training goals, completing a capstone project or doing community service. The Ohio Board of Education implemented these guidelines earlier this year.

Once assigned to a committee, lawmakers will hold initial hearings on HB 630.