Confusion over graduation requirements arose early in March when scheduling began in late February. Juniors were told that they must take the class Historical Perspective their senior year in order to graduate. However, this class is not listed as a requirement to graduate in the WYHS school planner. Social studies requirements are three classes: American Government, sophomore social studies, and freshman social studies. Questions arose to why Historical Perspective would be needed to graduate?

“I don’t understand why Historical Perspective is required because we only need three history credits to graduate,” said junior Amber Sady.

Also many Juniors who have already taken Historical Perspective wonder if they need to take it again during their senior year. During scheduling week, teachers and counselors had differing opinions about whether or not Historical Perspective is needed to graduate.

Dr. Serena Bradshaw told her AP American History class that Historical Perspective is needed to graduate. However, social study teacher Scott Gordon told his American Civic class that he does not see why Historical Perspecitve would be required.

“The requirement to take Historical Perspective was announced to juniors on such a short notice.They should have given us more time to prepare for it. Some juniors plan everything to the last detail and it frustrates them to know that their plans have to change in their senior year,” said junior Bethlehem Meresa.

Guidance counselor Michelle Boggs explained that she did not know about the change until a few weeks before scheduling. “The state graduation requirements are constantly changing and it is going to change again soon,” said Boggs.

For example, the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) changed minimum graduation requirements for science from 1 to 2 units during the 2002-2003 school year. Therefore, Whitehall-Yearling High School increased their science units according to state requirements from 2 to 3 units during the 2002-2003 school year.

Whitehall’s Board of education has the right to set the standard for graduation, but it must meet state requirements.

The Ohio Department of Education is increasing the social study requirements from 3 to 4 units and this will be effective within the next three years. The school board has already made adjustments to this new state criteria by including Historical Perspective as a requirement to graduate. This class is a semester long class and discusses current events with students.

“I really enjoyed Historical Perspective and it is not a very hard class,” said Junior Alirak Thilavong.

Guidance couselors will automatically put Historical Perspective on seniors’ class schedule next year.