UPDATE: Kentucky Board of Education approves exit exams for high school diplomas

The Kentucky Board of Education has voted to approve new graduation requirement where students will need to pass math and reading exams before earning a diploma.

The board passed the proposal unanimously Wednesday. Commissioner Wayne Lewis said the proposal would ensure basic skills in reading, math and transition readiness.

The changes would require students to take a math and reading standardized test in 10th grade with more opportunities to take the test in later high school years if students fail the first time.

Other changes would be for students to not be required to take Algebra II and allow them to select courses which fit into their career path. Students would also need to prove they are prepared for either college or a job before getting their diploma.

Commissioner Lewis believes the changes could give more meaning to Kentucky’s diplomas. Others believe more research should be done to determine if more testing would improve student success rates.

The state will now have a 30-day window where board members can make revisions based on public comments.

Kentucky could soon require students to pass exit exams in math and reading before earning a high school diploma.

The Kentucky Board of Education is scheduled to vote on new minimum high school graduation requirements on Wednesday. The proposal would require 10th grade students to take reading and math tests. Students can retake the tests twice per year if necessary.

The proposal would require students have 22 credits to graduate. But it would eliminate algebra II as a required class.

Education Commissioner Wayne Lewis says the new requirements will help prepare the state's students for college and careers. But some education groups are concerned about the tests, saying they could lead to higher drop-out rates.