Cut in the credits required to graduate fromFairmont not ‘lowering the bar’

KETTERING— Seniors at Kettering Fairmont High School for the current and next academic years will need fewer hours to graduate.

Trimming the required minimum credits to earn a diploma from21.5 to 20 will give seniors in the classes of 2021 and 2022 more leeway to pursue college or professional careers earlier, district officials said.

“Wehavestudentswanting to pursue Sinclair (Community College) starting second semester — or even work,” Fairmont Principal Tyler Alexander told the board of education before it unanimously approved themeasure Tuesday night.

The credits in core subject areas — financial literacy, fine arts, health and physical education — will remain the same, school district records show.

The cut in credits needed to graduate will involve elective courses, officials said.

SchoolboardmemberJulie Gilmoresaid “itseemslikewe keep lowering the bar” and questioned how the move would impact students seeking admission to colleges.

Alexander said students are not limited to taking the minimumnumberof courses or credits.

“Students stillhave the ability to take seven classes a day for four years and students that are earning 28, 29 and 30 credits throughout their high school career — especially those students who are receiving credit in eighth grade, students taking advantage of (the) College Credit Plus” program, he said.

“We’re not reducing the rigor of our courses,” Alexander said. “We’re not reducing the amount of courses that we offer. But we have a number of students that have aspirations to move on from high school.

“And reducing that in the elective areas — rather than keeping them around to take elective classes that they’re really not interested in” will help them pursue military or work options, he added.

Studentsmust earn a state minimum of 20 credits in specific subjects, including economics, financial literacy and fine arts – to meet high school graduation requirements, according to the Ohio Department of Education website.

Kettering City School District records also state COVID- 19 was a factor in the change. The coronavirus prompted Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine toshutdownall state schools inMarch andKettering is set to begin the school year Sept. 8 by remote learning for all students.

The credit reduction is “really important for this junior and senior class,” Alexander said.

“We don’t t knowwhat the future holds for us. We’re hoping to get back into school at some point,” he added. “Butwe don’t know that. Thiswould provide us with more flexibility.”