Panel recommends stricter graduation requirements

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A state education task force has recommended toughening high school graduation requirements and replacing the Missouri Assessment Program test.

The 25-member task force, at work for the last year, proposed Friday that Missouri raise its requirements for the first time in 20 years.

Jim Morris, a spokesman for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, said the board was likely to adopt at least some of the recommendations in June.

Specifically, the task force called for an added required course in each core subject area -- math, English, science and social studies -- as well as an additional half-credit health course. The number of required electives would drop to 7 1/2.

The task force also said MAP testing should cease, replaced with an exam more like the ACT college entrance test. Students with high scores on the exam could garner a special advanced diploma, though graduation would not hinge on passing the test.

Educators across the country have been implementing stricter graduation requirements as colleges and employers complain graduates are unprepared.

A Manhattan Institute for Policy Research study showed that 70 percent of public high school students graduate, but only 32 percent are qualified for four-year colleges.

Missouri education commissioner Kent King said the state board has the authority to raise course requirements but other task force recommendations could require more discussion and additional funding.

King said the state will hold 10 meetings throughout Missouri next month to provide more information on the proposed changes and to gather feedback from educators and community leaders.