State Education Board Clarifies Expanded High School Graduation Course Options

The Virginia Board of Education has approved updates to its approved-course list clarifying how students may meet expanded graduation requirements, Virginia Mercury reported via WHRO.

The changes build on legislation broadening paths to standard and advanced studies diplomas in math, science, history and social studies, economics and personal finance. For example, African American History or AP African American Studies may satisfy World History I or World Geography if students pass an approved alternative assessment.

More Economics and Personal Finance courses, including some IB options that include required material, can count toward that mandate if the Department of Education approves them. Students transferring after 10th grade may use certain IB courses to meet Virginia and U.S. history, government, and economics and personal finance requirements.

The board also carved an exception to first aid, CPR and AED training when an IEP or 504 plan says a student cannot complete it, or when a late transfer came from a school that did not offer the credit. Board member Amber Northern separately pressed staff for clearer guidance on seat-time flexibility so students can fit apprenticeships and work-based learning around packed credit loads.