This report summarizes the major components of the State Board of Education's (SBE) secondary school reform proposal.

● The plan increases the minimum number of credits required to graduate from high school from the current 20 to 25 (see table below).

● Each student must complete a locally determined "capstone project" that includes research, written, and presentation components.

● Each student must have a “student success plan” beginning in grade 6.

● The state must provide model curricula for many courses.

● Students must complete state-developed, locally scored, end-of-course final exams for five required courses (Algebra 1, Geometry, Biology/Life Science, English 2, and American History).

● State-developed final exams must count at least 20% of final grade.

● The proposal seeks to increase the significance of middle school (grades 6 to 8) and align middle school requirements with new high school requirements.

● The proposal includes professional development for teachers and administrators, coordination with higher education institutions, and support for new technology for schools and school districts.

Table 1: Proposed New High School Graduation Requirements

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