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Passage of HB 67 Provides Relief for Juniors and Seniors
March 23, 2021 -- Over the weekend, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed into law House Bill 67, which provides grace for students across the state during these unsettled times, particularly for students in the Classes of 2021 and 2022.
The new law is a result of the educational challenges students have faced during the year-long coronavirus pandemic. The legislation passed as an emergency measure, so it takes effect immediately.
One of the primary components of HB 67 is the allowance of using a student’s course grades for graduation requirements, rather than using a student’s score on state test assessments
“We are pleased Governor DeWine responded to the needs of our students during this challenging year,” said Dr. Terri Breeden, Interim Chief Academic Officer, Columbus City Schools. “Using final grades in courses acknowledges the hard work students have been accomplishing each and every day.”
The new law allows students to graduate if they meet the curricular requirements for graduation, and the student’s principal, teachers, and counselors believe that the student is prepared for graduation.
Here is a summary of what’s included in HB 67:
- Allows students in grades 11 and 12 to use the end of course grades instead of mandated tests to fulfill graduation requirements
- Provides flexibility for graduation requirements
- Extends end of year testing windows by up to two weeks
- Extends the date for reporting data for the state report card from Sept. 15 to Oct.14
- Waives the state-only American History assessment
- Adds the OhioMeansJobs readiness Seal as a graduation pathway for the 2020-2021 school year
The Columbus City Schools Board of Education and Columbus City Council recently passed resolutions supporting the efforts to provide grace for our students.
“Empowering principals, in consultation with teachers and counselors, to determine students’ completion of the curriculum for graduation is an individualized and sensitive approach to supporting our seniors,” said Dr. Breeden.