1. OHIO’S OPTIONS FOR A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
The world is changing every day.
When your parents were in high school, there were usually one or two telephones in the house and they hung on the wall. The only thing you could do with a phone is to talk to someone.
Think about what your phone looks like today (hold up your smartphone)—and think about all you can do with it.
So much has changed.
Getting ready to graduate from high school has changed, too.
Students in your class have more than one way to earn a high school diploma.
My job is to help you learn about those choices now, so at every point, you will know what options are open to you and what you need to do next.
Those choices will enable you to take advantage of opportunities like college and careers—things that will help you reach your goals and dreams for your life.
That’s what I’m here to talk to you about today.

2. Our district’s goal for all students
Move to college or a skilled job upon graduation
OUR DISTRICT’S GOAL FOR ALL STUDENTS
The goal of [district name] is to prepare every student in your class (the Class of 20XX) be truly ready to start college or get a good-paying job when you graduate from high school.

3. Ohio provides flexibility for you to succeed and graduate.
OHIO PROVIDES FLEXIBILITY FOR YOU TO ACHIEVE AND GRADUATE
You can graduate ready to be accepted by good colleges or if you think college isn’t for you right now, you can graduate ready to take a good paying job in certain kinds of fields.
You have choices to help you with one direction or another or both!
But there are two requirements that every one of you must meet.
Let’s go through those now.

4. Requirements for all students
Complete ##
course credits
Requirements for all students
Earn diploma through one of three options
REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL STUDENTS
First, our district requires all students to complete (insert number for your district – 20 state minimum plus any additional credits required by your district) ## course credits to graduate.
Second, you will pick at least one of three diploma options.

5. Our District’s Course Requirements
1. Complete ## course credits
Our District’s Course Requirements
Units
Required
English Language Arts
## Units
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Health
Physical Education
Electives
OUR DISTRICT’S COURSE REQUIREMENTS
You must complete certain basic courses.
Ohio students must take:
4 units of English
4 units of mathematics
3 units of science
3 units of social studies (includes ½ unit of American history and ½ unit of American government)
½ unit of health and ½ unit of physical education
5 units of electives
Additionally, you will take coursework in fine arts and financial literacy.
[Customize this slide to coincide with your local requirements].

6. Ohio law created three options for students to earn a diploma
OHIO LAW CREATES THREE OPTIONS FOR STUDENTS TO EARN A DIPLOMA
Changes in Ohio’s law about high school graduation will help prepare you for college or an in-demand job.
We are going to help you think more deeply about what you want to do as an adult, and make sure we help get you moving in the right direction to fulfill your dreams.
Let me explain how this works.

7. 2. Three Graduation Options
At least 18 points on state tests
Industry-approved credential and a work-readiness score on WorkKeys
Remediation-free score on ACT or SAT
THREE OPTIONS
The second graduation requirement is where you have choices.
To fulfill the second requirement for graduation, you can choose one or more options:
1. Accumulate at least 18 points, altogether, on the seven state tests
2. Earn an approved, industry-recognized credential for the field you want to work in, and get a score of 13 on a job-skills test, called WorkKeys, that shows you are ready to do that kind of job. [Give a specific example offered by your school.]
3. Earn a score on the ACT or SAT that shows you are to take a college-level course.
Now let’s talk about each option.

8. Three Graduation Options
At least 18 points on state tests
In this option, a student earns at least 18 points on the end-of-course state tests.

9. 4 4 6 4 Earn a minimum of four points in English tests
Earn a minimum of four points in math tests
Earn a minimum of six points in science and social studies tests 6
Additional four points selected from any of the content areas
Students must earn a total of at least four points on English tests, four points on math tests, six points on science and social studies tests, and an additional four points that can be selected from any of the content areas.  This graduation option gives a student flexibility in accumulating 18 points. A high score on one test can balance a low score on another test.  4

10. Earn 18 points on state tests
Class of 2018:
Earn 18 points on state tests
English I
English II
Algebra I or Int. Math I
Geometry or Int. Math II
Biology or Physical Science
American History
American Government
REQUIRED STATE TESTS
Changes to state tests are one of the most important parts of earning a high school diploma in Ohio.
The Class of 2018 – or those who became 9th graders on or after July 1, 2014 – have the opportunity to earn points at the end of seven of your courses. That’s why we call them “end-of-course” tests.
The courses are English I and II, algebra 1, geometry (or integrated math I and math II), American history and American government. For the science end-of-course test, you may choose between physical science or biology, depending on which course you took.
[Counselor, please note: The Class of 2018 may take either science end-of- course test, or both. If a student takes both tests, he or she will use the higher of the two scores.]
These tests show your teachers whether they are giving you the skills and knowledge you need to be college or career ready when you graduate.
If you look at all the courses you will take in high school, you’ll find that in almost all of them you will have a final test.
Students studying state-approved Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) or college-level courses in biology, American history or American government may take special tests for those courses in place of the end-of-course tests. Again, that’s so we can avoid having you take more than one test.

11. Earn 18 points on state tests
Class of 2019 and Beyond:
Earn 18 points on state tests
English I
English II
Algebra I or Int. Math I
Geometry or Int. Math II
Biology
American History
American Government
REQUIRED STATE TESTS
Changes to state tests are one of the most important parts of earning a high school diploma in Ohio.
The Classes of 2019 and beyond can take a state test at the end of seven of your courses. That’s why we call them “end-of-course” tests.
The courses are English I, English II, algebra 1, geometry (or integrated math I and math II), biology, American history and American government.
[Counselor, please note: The biology end-of-course exam is the only science end-of-course exam available for the class of 2019 and beyond]
These tests show your teachers whether they are giving you the skills and knowledge you need to be college or career ready when you graduate.
If you look at all the courses you will take in high school, you’ll find that in almost all of them you will have a final test.
In the seven courses where you can take a state end-of-course test, your teachers MAY decide to use the state test to replace the usual final test for the class. The purpose is to avoid making you take more tests than you really have to.
Students studying state-approved Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) or college-level courses in biology, American history or American government may take special tests for those courses in place of the end-of-course tests. Again, that’s so we can avoid having you take more than one test.

12. Students take state tests at the end of the course.
Test Schedule: December/January April/May Summer
Students take state tests at the end of the course.
SCHEDULE
You should take the state test at the end of the course. This can be after fall semester or in April or May. Or, in the summer.

13. Performance Level Graduation Points Advanced 5 Accelerated 4
Proficient 3
Basic 2
Limited 1
PERFORMANCE LEVEL - GRADUATION POINTS
Earn these point levels on the tests. These performance levels translate into how many points you get. 
Again, remember that you need to earn a total of at least 18 POINTS on the seven tests with at least four points in English, at least four points in math and at least six points in science and social studies.

14. Flexibility for Students
A high score on one test can balance a low score on another test
FLEXIBILITY FOR STUDENTS
One of the great things about accumulating points from your state end-of-course test to reach 18 points is that it gives you flexibility:
A high score on one test can balance a low score on another test in each subject area. This flexibility allows for differences in students.
Your score on a test will be translated into one (limited) to five (advanced) points.

15. Retakes
TEST RETAKES
A student may retake any end-of-course state test anytime during the student’s academic career.
The student may retake the test during testing window(s) designated by the Ohio Department of Education.
Our high school will provide extra help for you to understand the subject before you retake a test.

16. Advanced Placement International Baccalaureate College Credit Plus
Classes of 2018 and Beyond: Substitute Tests for Science, American History or American Government
Advanced Placement International Baccalaureate College Credit Plus
SUBSTITUTE TESTS: CLASS OF 2018
Students taking Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) courses in American history or American government may take tests specially designed for these courses instead of the state end-of-course test for that kind of course, to avoid double testing.
Students may also take College Credit Plus. This option also includes early college high school programs.
Students taking College Credit Plus courses in these subjects will use the course grade, not end-of-course test points, to determine their points earned toward graduation.
For the science end-of-course test, you may choose between physical science or biology, depending on which course you took.
[Counselor, please note: The Class of 2018 may take either science end-of-course test, or both. If a student takes both tests, he or she will use the higher of the two scores.]
[Note: There are no substitute tests for mathematics and English language arts.]
SUBSTITUTE TESTS: CLASS OF 2019

17. Advanced Placement
[Local district may insert course offerings, if applicable]
ADVANCED PLACEMENT
[Local district may insert course offerings, if applicable]

18. International Baccalaureate
[Local district may insert course offerings, if applicable]
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
[Local district may insert course offerings, if applicable]

19. College Credit Plus Enroll in college while in high school
Earn credits for both
COLLEGE CREDIT PLUS
If you know that you want college to be your next step after high school, I have great news for you.
You can earn college credit in high school—at no cost to your family.
Our district has partnered with ________________ [insert college name] to offer college courses that will give you credit toward high school graduation and a college degree, at the same time.
We’ll give you news later about a workshop you and your parents can attend that will help you take advantage of this great opportunity.

20. Three Graduation Options
Industry-approved credential and a work-readiness score on WorkKeys
Skill credential and Work Readiness
Take a serious look now as you are entering high school about the hundreds of ways you can learn a skill for a job that employers are demanding workers for in the near future.
When you receive an official credential for this skill, you are halfway to earning your high school diploma. The other half is to earn a job readiness score on WorkKeys.
Benefit: You leave high school with a skill so you can live on your own. You can build on this skill if you want to.

21. Work Readiness and Industry Credential
You leave high school with a skill
Continue to build this skill
Work Readiness and Skill CredentiaL
In order to qualify for a diploma under the credential pathway, a student needs to do two things:
Earn a state-approved, industry-recognized credential or credentials worth 12 credential points.
Earn a minimum score of 13 on the WorkKeys test.
There are benefits to this option: You can learn a skill that Ohio employers need right now, and earn good pay to live on after graduation or use to help pay for more education.
In short, you leave high school with a skill so you can live on your own. You can build on this skill if you want to.

22. Industry-recognized Credentials
Students must earn a credential or credentials worth 12 points There are a total of xx credentials available for this option.
Industry-recognized Credentials
You also must earn an industry-recognized credential or credentials worth 12 credential points
A student may choose any combination of credentials that totals to 12 points within a single career field. Students can consult with a counselor, teacher or other professional to aid in choosing the bundle of credentials that best suits their career aspirations.
The goal is for students to exit high school with a coherent bundle of credentials that leads meaningful employment or post-secondary options.

23. Industry-recognized Credentials
Students can choose from 13 career fields.

24. WorkKeys Test
Three sections for graduation are: 1) Reading 2) Applied mathematics 3) Locating information
Workkeys test
WorkKeys measures the essential work skills employers seek.
The assessments are based on situations in the everyday working world. There are three sections of the assessment – reading, applied mathematics and locating information.

25. WorkKeys Test Classes of 2018-2019: Students must earn a score of 13.
Classes of 2020 and beyond: Student must earn a score of 14.
They must earn at least three points on each section of the test.
Workkeys test
The WorkKeys assessment has three sections: reading, applied mathematics and locating information. Students in the Classes of 2018 and 2019 must earn a total of 13 points across the three WorkKeys sections; students in the Class of 2020 and beyond must earn a total of 14 points. Students must also earn at least three points on each section of the test.

26. Three Graduation Options
Remediation-Free Score
This option means that you may use scores on either ACT or SAT, nationally recognized college admission tests, to meet the requirements for graduation.
Remediation-free scores in English language arts and math show that you can do college-level work without needing to take remedial classes that repeat high school-level material.
You will receive an Ohio diploma with these scores and upon completion of our district’s curriculum requirements.
To help with the expense, our district will provide (ACT or SAT) as the college admission test in the spring of your junior year.
The State of Ohio will pay for this one-time administration of the test, so your parents do not have to. That’s great news!
Remediation-free score on ACT or SAT

27. Remediation-Free Score
Earn the “remediation-free” scores* on either college and career readiness test:
ACT
English
18 or higher
Mathematics
22 or higher
Reading
SAT
Writing
430 or higher
Mathematics
520 or higher
Reading
450 or higher
Remediation-Free Score
You meet this graduation option, along with curriculum requirements, if your highest score in each subject is remediation free. There are three subjects scored in ACT and SAT – English, reading and mathematics.
Again, you may use either the state-paid test in the spring of your junior year. Or, you may take either the ACT or SAT at your own expense before junior year or to retake it.
Benefit: This test is free and you can use the score for college admission.
I must note that these scores are subject to change. Public college and university presidents in Ohio establish the remediation scores and review them every few years. The state superintendent of public instruction adopts the scores as meeting the college-readiness measures for the state’s graduation option.
[Counselor notes: Each student may use the highest score in each sub-score from multiple administrations of one test to meet the student’s graduation requirement option. This would include the state-funded administration and additional attempts that students take and fund through non-state resources during their academic careers.
Your district will choose either the ACT or SAT for all students in your district to take for free during a one-time statewide spring test in grade 11]
*Ohio’s university presidents set these scores, which are subject to change.

28. Thinking about graduation?
Make an appointment with your counselor.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR COUNSELOR
[School counselor – describe the next steps students need to take in your district, such as “make an appointment with me, have conversation with your family, seek community and business opportunities … ]

29. education.ohio.gov/options

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