Students have to complete both components, plus any local requirements to receive a public high school diploma. Past state requirements focused on the completion of a required number of classes. The new state requirements focus on results. They define what students must know and be able to do to graduate from a public high school in Minnesota. Students show they meet the Basic Standards by passing the basic skill tests first administered in the 8th grade in reading and mathematics.
Tenth graders take a writing test.
Schools must provide help for students who are unable to pass the tests. Students must retake the tests every year until they pass. Passing the Basic Standards tests and passing individual courses are two different things. Passing the Basic Standards tests indicates that your child has a minimum level of competency in reading, mathematics, and writing. All of our children need to surpass the minimum and are required to pass courses and complete High Standards in order to graduate from high school.