South Whidbey High School will be increasing graduation requirements for its seniors in small steps over a period of two years.

The South Whidbey school board recently approved a proposal to increase graduation requirements in phases.

The proposal will be implemented over the next two years, rather than all at once next year as originally proposed in May by South Whidbey High School Principal Mike Johnson.

Superintendent Fred McCarthy believes the change would be too much in one year.

“My recommendation is that we proceed in a measured manner, phasing in these changes over a two-year period,” McCarthy said.

The changes involve increasing graduation credits in mathematics, science, technology and art, while decreasing elective requirements from 12 to nine.

Mathematics for WASL preparation and technology will be the subject areas increased by one credit next year.

Elective requirements would be reduced by two credits this coming school year, and by one credit in the 2007-08 school year.

“My experience as a director of curriculum leads me to believe that changing even one high school graduation requirement has both anticipated and unanticipated consequences,” McCarthy said.

McCarthy said the proposal is coming at a time when there are changes in state and federal requirements.

“We are also implementing portfolios, culminating projects, a 13th year plan, selection of an educational major and requiring the passage of the WASL,” McCarthy told the school board.

South Whidbey High School already requires more credits for graduation than the state standard.

The school requires 10 additional credits, or 29 total, above the 19 credits required by the state to earn a diploma.

But the new proposal would take it a step further. It would take three credits from students’ elective courses and shift those to academic and technology classes.

The proposal would increase the overall credits needed from 29 to 30, including the addition of one more credit in mathematics, science, technology and art. Required elective credits would drop from 12 to nine.

Supporters say the increase would improve student achievement, exceed state requirements, prepare students for a technical society and support statewide education reform.

“By raising graduation requirements at South Whidbey High School, our graduates will be better prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s society,” Johnson said.

Seniors graduating from Bayview School will still need to earn 19 credits through classes, plus an additional 10 credits for their culminating portfolio project. Bayview students present their portfolio projects at the end of the school year.

Gayle Saran can be reached at 221-5300 or gsaran@southwhidbeyrecord.com.