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Rising Above the Crowd in Ohio

Published: May 21, 2018, 2:43 p.m.

Group of university students working in libraryWith all the requirements needed to get into a good college and on the right track, sometimes it's hard to focus on any one thing. Students need extracurriculars, sports, clubs, languages, volunteer work and more just to be competitive when they apply for college. And let's not forget high grade-point averages, SAT and ACT scores, and AP courses. With everything your student needs to keep track of, it's easy to forget one tiny detail. The state of Ohio requires students to complete a number of tests to graduate. There are different rules, depending on performance and the tests chosen. However, entering the world without a high school diploma would be detrimental to your student’s future. As a parent, you should understand the graduation rules and requirements.   Graduation Pathways Ohio graduation requirements say students need to earn a minimum of 20 credits. Further, they are required to complete a minimum of two semesters of fine arts, and courses in financial literacy and economics. On top of coursework, students must choose one of the following pathways to earn their diploma. Ohio’s Graduation Tests (OGT) Students can take the seven-part end-of-course state tests, known as the OGT. They must earn 18 out of 35 possible points. Each test is worth up to five points, depending on performance. Students need a minimum of four points in math, four points in English language arts, and six points between science and social studies. Workforce Readiness Certification Students can choose to earn an industry-recognized credential or a group of credentials which equal 12 points and earn the required score on the WorkKeys test. Ohio pays for students to take the test one time. In some districts, the Senior Only program allows kids to earn credentials in one school year. ACT or SAT Each district dictates whether students may take theSAT or the ACT. The chosen test allows students to earn remediation-free scores, determined by Ohio’s university presidents, in math and English language arts. The one-time statewide spring test is administered in grade 11 free of charge.

  • SUBJECT

  • ACT

  • SAT

  • TAKEN PRIOR TO  MARCH 1, 2016

  • SAT

  • TAKEN AFTER

  • MARCH 1, 2016
English Language Arts English subscore of 18 (or higher) Writing 430 (or higher) Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) 480 (or higher)
Entered high school prior to July 1, 2014, reading subscore of 21 (or higher) Reading 450 (or higher)
Entered high school after July 1, 2014, reading subscore of 22 (or higher)
Mathematics Mathematics subscore of 22 (or higher) Mathematics 520 (or higher) Mathematics 530 (or higher)
Ohio students score higher than the national average, according to the 2017 ACT College and Career Readiness Report. Data from the Nation’s Report Card agrees, showing Ohio in line with median performance across the country. This means graduating students have a better than average chance at obtaining gainful employment or continuing on to higher education. However, that doesn’t mean your student can sit back and relax. Planning Ahead Since each graduation pathway requires different courses and tests, students should choose wisely. Helping your student make this decision, based on his or her graduation plans, is the best option. If your student plans to apply to four-year colleges, the SAT or ACT will be unavoidable. For those wanting to jump into the job market, a workforce certification may be the answer. Likewise, for those students who plan to attend community college, practicing for the OGT would be best.   Regardless of the path chosen, your student should begin preparation early to ensure timely graduation. Failure to complete the requirements could result in missed chances for your high school senior. Test Preparation For those students completing the OGT, practice tests can be invaluable. Since your child will have to undergo seven different tests, scheduling practice sessions and organizing time is important for success. There are also test prep tools available online which can focus your student’s study efforts towards the test of their choice. Even the College Board has recently begun touting the value of online test prep websites. In 2016, they released a statement which included the following quote: “In addition to the 115-point average score increase associated with 20 hours of practice, shorter practice periods also correlate with meaningful score gains. For example, 6 to 8 hours of practice on Official SAT Practice is associated with an average 90-point increase.” From this statement, we can see that even the makers of the SAT agree that test prep can make a meaningful difference in your student's score. This same principle can be applied to students taking the OGT, workforce readiness courses and the ACT. Using personalized tutoring apps and services in short sessions, rather than cramming before a test, can increase understanding and performance.   There is a lot to consider regarding graduation when you take everything into account for your Ohio student. However, each child is an individual, and the graduation pathways allow for customized choices, based on your student’s goals and interests. The best thing is to make the most of the choice your student makes by helping them focus, prepare, and have confidence for test days.