Incoming Kansas high school freshmen facing new graduation requirements

Kansas high school freshmen have some new graduation requirements. The class of 2028 is the first class who will graduate under the new state requirements designed to better help prepare students for life after high school.

Instead of four English Language Arts credits, students will need three and a half, with an extra half credit focusing on “communication,” which could include speech, debate, forensics and journalism.

Students will also need a “STEM” elective. Three units of science, which includes physical, biological, and earth and space science concepts shall include at least one unit as a laboratory course. Also required are three units of mathematics, including algebra and geometry.

The KSDE also requires at least two post-secondary assessments, which could include the ACT or SAT, and/or 40 hours of community service or participation in a school sport or activity.

Students still need at least 21 credits to graduate, which did not change from previous years.