Board begins review of graduation-credit reduction and updates promotion policy tied to state literacy rules

The board conducted first- and second-reading consideration of student progression and graduation requirements.

Policy IID (Promotion and Retention) was presented on second reading to align district promotion requirements for elementary students with the Maryland State Board of Education's comprehensive Pre-K–3 literacy policy. Grace Wilson, director of legislation and policy, said the promotion rule was updated so students must meet the state literacy expectations to advance to grade 4. The policy proceeded on second reading; staff reported no public comments in the 30-day posting period.

Policy IIC (Graduation Requirements) was presented for first reading. Staff noted a proposed regulatory revision that would reduce the total number of credits required for graduation from 26 to 22.5 by cutting elective requirements from 7.5 to 4 credits. The policy itself will proceed through the board's three-reading process; staff said the regulation changes will be posted for public comment and that they will return with detailed regulation language and scheduling implications.

Trustees asked whether some requirements better align to middle school offerings and whether certain graduation courses might be shifted to earlier grade levels. One trustee said she was open to removing a graduation requirement if the content could be taught in middle school, but staff recommended any change to a board-adopted graduation requirement should be made by the board rather than by staff.