Rep. Ferguson Applauds Passage of Bill to Revise New High School Graduation Requirements

 

State Representative Michael Ferguson (R-138) expressed his optimism for the ability of over-mandated school districts to provide quality and appropriate education following the passage of SB 1026 in the House of Representatives on Tuesday night.  SB 1026, which passed unanimously, delays implementation of the increased high school graduation requirements recently adopted by state law, as well as creates more flexibility on the courses required to achieve these requirements.  

Rep. Ferguson personally addressed this issue at the beginning of his first term this year and introduced a similar House version of the bill as HB 5408.  SB 1026 passed unanimously in the State Senate earlier this month, and after passing the House last night, it now heads to the governor’s desk to await his signature to make it state law.

“I know firsthand, as both a former student and current Board of Education member, the struggles endured by larger school districts to make sure they conform to subjective state education standards that are often out of touch with the reality they face,” said Rep. Ferguson.  “This bill offers school districts badly-needed relief from the burdensome unfunded mandates forced on them by the state and grants them more flexibility to make sure that all of their students have the opportunity to graduate with a well-rounded education.  It will enhance the educational experiences students have by including a framework for a final, hands-on learning project, as well as allowing schools like Danbury High School to continue teaching the unique range of courses they already do so.”

In 2010, the legislature boosted high school graduation requirements to conform to federal standards in the Race to the Top competition, a federal initiative to give states monetary incentives to make certain educational reforms.  The higher standards included additional credits in mathematics, science, and foreign language, and required students to either pass end-of-course exams in core subjects or complete senior project.  Connecticut did not receive any federal funding and so implementation of the bill was put off until 2021. 

“Delaying these state-mandated graduation requirements, and providing districts with the ability to determine what is in the best interests of their students, is beneficial for larger and growing districts like Danbury,” said Rep. Ferguson.  “I’m honored to have been able to work to pass this bill on behalf of the students, teachers, and administrators in my district and across the state.”

State Representative Michael Ferguson represents the 138^th district communities of Danbury, New Fairfield, and Ridgefield.