G'ville School Board reviews new graduation rule

GAINESVILLE - Gainesville School Board members Monday night reviewed new state approved rules that will significantly change the path to high school graduation.

Legislation has led to a State Board of Education rule that changed the way students receive course credit and the way that credit is weighted, according to School Supt. Merrianne Dyer. School systems are seeking state board guidance and within the month parents will get details on the new rules.

"Parents should be aware that there have been a lot of changes that will affect course weight and the way that the courses are offered," Dr. Dyer said.

The new rules include a new 'test out' option.

"It's something that's never been done, the ability to test out of a course by taking and end of course test," she added. "On an exit exam for a course, the student may choose to take the exam without taking the course. If they score in the 'exceeds' range they would then get credit for the course."

It would be up to the local school board to make a policy on what grade they would receive. For example, if the student made 93 on the end of course test, the board would decide if it would be a 93 for the course. Dr. Dyer said she did not expect the new graduation rules would affect this year's senior class.

"At this point in the semester we think their path toward graduation and their class ranks would not be impacted at all," Dr. Dyer said. "It's going to impact the rising seniors, this year's junior class."

The Superintendent also said the new rules affect students taking high school and college courses, the 'dual enrollment' students.

"In separate legislation, dual enrollment is going to be weighted at the same weight as advance placement," Dr. Dyer said. "The students who are juniors this year who are taking dual enrollment courses, those weights would apply to them. It benefits them because they will receive a higher weight for their course credit."

GUNS ON CAMPUS FOR SRO's

Board members are looking at the cost of keeping firearms on school campuses for use by Gainesville Police School Resource Officers. Dr. Dyer said the proposal came from the Police Department.

"We would share the cost of keeping weapons for SRO's in the school offices in a locked, specialized gun case," Dr. Dyer said.

Dr. Dyer said the Board would consider the request at its meeting next month.