May 23, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                        

Jeffco Public Schools changing graduation requirements

Beginning with the class of 2013, more credit hours will be required for graduation from a Jeffco Public high school.  The Board of Education has voted to increase the number of credits from 22 to 24, boosting the requirements in math, social sciences and science.  The changes come after months of study, input and debate, both in the community and within the school district. 

“Jeffco Public Schools has a long legacy of excellence and this change once again raises the bar for our students,” said Jeffco Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Cindy Stevenson.

The new requirements will closely align Jeffco students with what is needed for entrance into a Colorado public college or university.

The groups which provided input into the new graduation standards included a task force made up of content-specific middle and high school teachers, counselors, principals, music and physical education teachers, visual arts teachers and district administrators.  The task force also sought feedback from students and the community before presenting a plan to the Board of Education.

“Graduating from a Jeffco school will be more rigorous for the class of 2013 and those that follow, but these students will have choices when it comes to their elective classes – we heard that very clearly from the community,” said Stevenson.  “Parents want their children to be well-rounded.”

To help keep students on track for graduation, students, parents and school counselors will collaborate on a graduation plan that will be updated every year.  Support will be given to students who are struggling in meeting the increased requirements.

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