Graduation criteria rose in difficulty after being changed to match the A-G requirements  required for college admission.  Luckily for upperclassmen and sophomores, the new requisites apply to the class of 2017 and onward. For honor students, these new standards will cause few changes; for anyone who wants to slide through high school with minimum effort, well, that minimum effort will not cut it anymore.

“I think [the new requirements] will raise the bar for the whole district,” school board member Lisa Rodman said.

With the new requisites for graduation, students will be locked into a strict path of challenging academics with fewer electives; three years of math (Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II must be completed), four years of English, two years of a foreign language and three years of history (world history, US history, Gov/Econ) are only a small sample of the required classes for graduation.

While meeting these new expectations, some students may find it difficult to take interesting electives they want to experience but Principal Dr. Steitz believes the challenge will be worthwhile to encourage students to be college ready.

“We are putting that line out there, hoping it encourages and works with students to get them [college ready] sooner,” Steitz said.

The new requisites aim to have all students graduate high school eligible to attend a four-year college, but not everyone becomes ready at the same time, or finds getting ready easy; students with learning disabilities or who simply find some classes too difficult will receive support through tutoring. Help will be available for everyone who requires assistance.

“Remedial efforts are in place for people who need that extra learning time,” Rodman said.

These new standards are not here simple to challenge students; after high school completion, CHS students will meet the admission requirements of UCs and CSUs. The option to immediately enter a four year college after graduation will be available.

“[The new requirements] are going to help us get into college,” freshman Jazmin Gurrola said. “And have a good life.”