Corning High School changes graduation requirements

Beginning with the 2015-16 school year, Corning High graduation requirements will be different.

To obtain a diploma, students will need to complete at least four courses in English, three courses in mathematics and three courses of science.

Currently, the requirements are three year of English, and two years each of science and mathematics.

"This will provide a little more academic experience for our students than the current program," said John Burch, superintendent of the Corning Union High School District. "It should also help with student test scores."

The district board unanimously approved the change.

Burch said the new requirements will still allow students who so choose, to maintain their Career Pathway program and allow students the opportunity to take elective courses.

In addition to the English, math and science courses, students will be required to take and complete four courses of social studies, one course of visual arts or performing arts, foreign language or American Sign Language, or Career Technical Education, four courses in phy ical education, and one course of technical art/career technical education.

In all, students must complete 265 units to graduate and pass the state exit examination in language arts and mathematics.

Under the new mathematics requirements, at least one course, or a combination of two courses must meet the state's standards for Algebra 1, but, completion prior to ninth grade of algebra coursework that meets the state requirement will satisfy the algebra requirement.

"Students will still have to take three mathematics courses in high school during their ninth through twelfth grades of school," Burch said.

The science courses must include biology and physical science.

Four courses of Social Studies will contain United States history, world history, American government and civics, and economics. "All students will attempt, but need not pass, geography," states the district.