As high school comes to an end, students must complete their graduation requirements. At Lakes High School, there are multiple pathways that students can meet. However, not many students are aware of what these pathways are and what they can do to meet them.
Where it Began
According to Lakes guidance counselor Geoff Stella, the old state requirement for graduation was to pass a standardized test. Unsurprisingly, not everyone passed this test. To recover the credit, they had to retake the test until they passed. Stella explains that the state reviewed this law, eventually deeming it as inequitable. Not all students want to go to college or further pursue academics.
“We need to be able to get them out into the career field; technical and trade schools, stuff like that.” Stella says.
The Washington State Board of Education (WASBE) reports that in 2019 and 2023, legislation was passed that established multiple graduation pathways.
Pathway 1: Standardized Test
First, taking a standardized test is still a pathway. Tenth graders at Lakes are encouraged to take the SBA. The WASBE says a passing score is a 2548 on English and a 2595 on Math. If the student gets these scores, then their graduation pathway is met. Additionally, passing the SAT with ACT, or ASVAB counts for this pathway. The passing scores are listed below:
Pathway 2: Dual Credit
The second pathway is Dual Credit, also known as Running Start. Stella says the best way to earn this pathway is to enroll at Pierce College, take an English and a Math class, and pass both.
Pathway 3: Advanced Placement
The third pathway is with Advanced Placement (AP) classes. Students must pass one course or exam in Math or English. A passing score is a C+ or higher in the class or a 3 or higher on the exam. AP Computer Science classes also count for this pathway.
Pathway 4: CTE Sequence
The final pathway is the CTE Sequence. These classes focus on career and technical education (CTE) rather than academics. Students who take two credits of CTE in the same pathway, e.g., photography and journalism, meet the pathway requirements. JROTC is another popular CTE pathway.
Conclusion
Washington State recognizes the fields outside of college that many students take. As a result, students at Lakes have many opportunities to explore pathways and graduate. Unfortunately, many students do not know or understand these pathways. Reach out to guidance counselors or refer to the Washington State Board of Education website for more detailed information.
