State Education Board Approves Stricter Graduation Standards

The State Board of Education approved a plan Thursday that will toughen exit standards for students.

Students will be required to pass end-of-course tests in Algebra I, Biology, English I, Civics & Economics and U.S. History.

In addition, they must complete a senior project, which encompasses service-based or work-based learning experiences.

The exams will start with this year's seventh-graders, meaning that the 2006-07 ninth-graders will be the first to begin high school with the exams.

The first graduating class to adhere to the policy will be the class of 2010.