The requirements for the 2006-2007 freshman class have been increased. This year’s freshman class must make a 3 or a 4 on the following EOCs: Algebra 1, Biology, Civics and Economics, English 1, and US History. These are definitely a step up from the old standards of merely having to pass the End of Course exams.



Current graduation standards include a minimum of 28 credits and completion of one of the NC courses of study: Career Prep., Occupational Prep., College/Technical Prep., College/University Prep. In addition, scholars must also earn a minimum of a 2.0 core or accumulative GPA.

Many believe the new goals are hard to obtain. Dave Richer, a freshman this year at West High, feels that the goals will be hard to reach, but he also says, “I’m proud to be here and I think that we’ll all be able to do it!”

Freshman Matt Morgan, agreed, saying “I don’t think these new goals are plausible.”

With so many students skeptical, it was good to hear an optimistic voice from SkylaRay Revels, also a freshman this year. She says, “I’m pretty sure that I can get a 4. If you pay attention in class you’ll make a good grade.”

From another perspective, here’s what some staff members at West had to say. An astonished Officer Rucker is simply glad that both of his children are sophomores and juniors. When he was told that to pass the freshman courses all of the test scores had to be a 3 or a 4 he simply said, “Wow…”

Mr. Carey was also asked his opinion on raising the standards for testing. He thinks that, “so much weight shouldn’t be placed on a single test.” He also made a good point in saying, “Some students don’t test well. They’ll make a good grade in the class and mess up on big tests.”

With mixed emotions towards the new standards here at West, many people are skeptical of the new standards, but just as many are confident that the new standards pose little threat.