In the past weeks, the Texas House of Representatives has passed new system of graduation requirements that are centered towards career paths and less on standard- ized tests.
The major changes this bill brings are; the currently fifteen required tests to gradu- ate will be lowered to five and rescheduled to the end of the year.
Other changes include new technical courses and multiple pathways to gradua- tion.
As a staff we believe these proposed re- quirements would be beneficial to students because it could raise graduation rates and help students prepare for real world tasks better.
Currently, Texas has one of the lowest graduation rates in the country. If require- ments were lowered in credits and test scores more students would be able to graduate.
Students need to have lessons focused on their educational needs instead of meeting test requirements.
A large part of the bill is bringing career and technical courses into high schools. This would focus more classes on preparing for everyday jobs like carpentry or plumbers.
Classes like this would benefit a major- ity of students by preparing them for jobs in the real world, pushing more students to graduate.
Many proponents of this new bill believe that it brings down the level of education in Texas. Although graduation requirement have changed, courses and teaching have not.
Students will still be able to receive the same education as before, but just wont be required to take classes paved for college or be bombarded with 15 various tests to graduate.
Others against the new requirements say that students need to go to college, and not straight into the workforce.
Although college is a good option, it is not for everyone. Not all students are meant to go to college and receive degrees, and some just aren’t simply capable.
Some students may not be able to afford it or are looking for employment in a field that does not require a degree like a cosmetology license or being a mechanic. Those who are not destined or interested in college, or not progressing at a college level should not be forced to take a college pathway.
As a staff we believe that the Texas House of Representatives state legislature bill in fa- vor of new graduation requirements is posi- tive and beneficial due to its possible posi- tive outcomes dealing with graduation rate and helping students prepare for real world experiences.
