We would like to set the record straight regarding Kent County High School (KCHS) graduation credits inaccurately represented by Dr. Barbara Wheeler in a letter to the editor and during the NAACP Board Candidate Forum.
KCHS data demonstrated little academic benefit for maintaining a block schedule and in some cases, did more harm to students. Semester-long courses limit the academic content that can be covered and unfortunately, students also had more time to forget what they learned. For example, a student may complete a math course during the fall of one school year and then complete the sequential course in the spring of the following year. These are important considerations for students preparing to take important tests such as the SAT or ACT.
In addition, conversion to a 7-period day (year-long courses) from a block schedule (semester-long courses) affords students the opportunity to complete 28 credits. Therefore, it is sensible to reduce 4-year graduation credit requirements from 25 to 23 credits that are proportionate to a student’s ability to obtain credits. Specifically both science and elective requirements were reduced by one credit; however, math credit requirements remain unchanged. Students may choose any academic course to satisfy elective requirements. The reduction in graduation credits does not prevent any student from exceeding academic course requirements and completing additional science credits prior to graduation. In fact, it is still required for STEM students. More notably, KCHS added two new science courses to persuade student interest in the science field. Students who wish to build a more competitive transcript are encouraged to complete challenging coursework in multiple content areas.
The following facts were also considered prior to making these changes:
Year-long courses increase instructional time, affording more opportunities for intervention and enrichment of the academic content.
Struggling students will have more time to master academic content and the flexibility to re-take failed courses, allowing students to stay on track to graduate with their peers.
Reduction of graduation credits allow advanced students more flexibility to enroll in dual-credit college and high school courses through Washington College and Chesapeake College.
KCHS graduation requirements are as follows:
4 English credits
4 Math (one each year of high school) credits
3 Science credits
3 Social Studies credits
1 Technology Education credit
1 Fine Arts credit
1 PE/Health credit
2 World Languages or 4 Career Technology (CTE) credits
2 Elective credits
Along with opportunities to complete Advanced Placement (AP) courses and dual-credit courses, KCHS offers nine (9) CTE or Vocational Programs allowing students to obtain certification, licensure, or articulated college credit such as health professions (GNA & CNA), automotive (ASE certification), and pre-engineering.
Dr. Karen M. Couch
KCPS Superintendent
Tracey Williams
KCHS Principal
Carol Wise says
I do not have any children in Kent County schools only a grandchild. When I moved here in 2000, I was astounded to find out from many people (accurately) that Kent County schools were in disarray, both academically and behaviorally. Over the years, I have seen many superintendents and principals come and go. I am not sure if schools have improved as evidenced by graduation rates, test scores, etc.
However, I am writing to recommend that Kent County look into what is happening in Mecklinburg County, Virginia, south of Richmond. It, too, is a rural and rather poor county but they have accomplished some rather remarkable statistics in their high schools.
My feeling is that a county this small (Kent) should be the showpiece for Maryland – let’s aim for that.