Changes to High School Graduation Requirements by the Kansas Board of Education

The Kansas Board of Education has made significant changes to graduation requirements for students after nearly two decades. The amendments, passed with an 8-2 vote, outline the new requirements that students must meet in order to be eligible for graduation.

The new requirements include four units of English language arts, three units of history and government, three units of science, three units of mathematics, one-half unit of physical education, one-half unit of health education, one-half unit of financial literacy, one-half unit of advanced science, four and one-half units of elective courses, and two or more accomplishments approved by the State Board.

In addition, students must either file a free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) with the U.S. Department of Education or file a waiver with the governing body if they choose not to file.

The changes will go into effect this fall for the incoming class of 2028. However, not everyone is in favor of these changes. Blue Valley Schools parent Tamara Seyler-James spoke out against the requirement to fill out a federal financial aid form, stating that it has no relevance to a student’s ability to earn their diploma.

Furthermore, the KBOE also made post-secondary graduation requirement changes, including increasing the attendance requirement from 90% to 95%. These changes aim to better prepare students for their future academic and career endeavors.