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Home > Blogs > Middletown School News and Issues > Archives > 2010 > May > 21 > Entry
Graduation denied
In this morning’s edition, I wrote about the 32 Middletown High School seniors and their families who are confused and hurt after learning the students will not walk in their May 24 graduation ceremony because they did not pass the state-mandated Ohio Graduation Test. What made it worse, parents said, is that they didn’t find out until a week before the event. Both the school and the Ohio Department of Education said the timing is only unusual because Middletown’s graduation is earlier than usual this year, and that these results (from the March test) arrive each year in Mid-May. This year, the results arrived Monday, May 17.
Ohio state law says the students cannot receive a diploma if they don’t pass all academic requirements (course credit hours plus passing the OGT), but the school district can decide whether or not a student who didn’t pass the test can participate in graduation ceremonies. MCS officials (and other local schools) stand by the district policy to refuse students the privilege to walk at graduation if they do not meet the state requirements. Parents of the affected students point to other districts in the area who seemingly agree with their position that students shouldn’t be denied a major life milestone because of one test’s results.
Should these seniors be allowed to walk with the rest of their classmates? I’m curious to hear what you think.
Permalink | Comments (6) | Post your comment | Categories: Middletown City Schools
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By hakko
May 28, 2010 10:14 AM | Link to this
No, they should not walk. This is not “one test”, but 6-7 chances at this test. Students take the OGT for the first time in March of their sophomore (second) year in high school, but have six additional opportunities (including an optional summer administration) to pass all parts of the OGT, which is required in order to graduate.
By Bob540
May 28, 2010 1:03 PM | Link to this
As Hakko describes it, I would have to agree with not allowing the students to participate in the graduation ceremony. During my final year in college, I had one more class to finish that summer before I met all the graduation requirements (was a double major with added requirements). The school allowed me to march with my classmates, but I was handed a letter instead of a diploma — the diploma was mailed to me after completion of the summer course. In situations where the student is really trying, I think they should be allowed to march. But after all these opportunities, it appears that these students haven’t learned enough to deserve the diploma or to march.
By me
May 28, 2010 1:40 PM | Link to this
Yes they should be allowed! The school district should have MADE SURE the test results were in and given to the parents in PLEANTY of time to take care of it. Of course those tests are a waste anyway… lots of people do well in class but freak out over testing…
By baseballguy-1
May 28, 2010 5:54 PM | Link to this
Graduation should be a ceremony reserved ONLY for those who have met ALL of the requirements outlined by BOTH the school district and the Ohio Dept. of Education. It is not so much a penalty for those who do not meet the requirements as it is a reward for those who do. Those who don’t agree with this are probably those who don’t believe we should keep score in little league, either, because someone’s feelings might get hurt.
By null
May 26, 2011 10:20 AM | Link to this
These tests are first given in 10th grade, and the student has 2 chances each year to take them in school, for a total of 6. Also, many schools offer summer classes for any test not passed, AND some organizations like the National Urban League offer summer prep for the tests. Those students had ample opportunities to pass, and blew it. THey do not deserve to march.
By jay
June 4, 2011 8:57 PM | Link to this
As Joe Friday would say,,,DUMB DEDUMB DUMB