Ohio Graduation, Testing Changes Set For Vote

Ohio high-schoolers beginning with the class of 2018 will see new graduation requirements and receive free college-admission testing under a legislative compromise heading toward approval. The changes faced House and Senate votes Wednesday, after clearing a conference committee Tuesday. New rules would begin with this fall's 9th graders. They reduce elective requirements and establish seven end-of-course exams in math, science, U.S. history and government, and English to replace the Ohio Graduation Test. A state Education Department spokesman said the bill provides families a definite timetable for planned replacement of the graduation test. Students taking accelerated options, such as Advanced Placement, would be exempted from end-of-course exams in the related subject area. A remediation-free score on a nationally-recognized college admission test or an industry-recognized credential also could substitute for end-of-course testing.