Ohio Graduation Test scores for Class of 2007

As you know, the Class of 2007 is the first class required to pass the Ohio Graduation Tests (OGT) to graduate from high school. Test scores from the March administration of the tests went out this week, and ODE is receiving many calls from parents and students who did not pass the OGT and will not graduate from high school. Below are the most frequently asked questions and answers.

My child passed all but one OGT. Is there another way for him/her to graduate?
Ohio law requires most students to pass all of the OGT. However, your child may be able to graduate if the child:

1. Failed to pass by 10 points or less;
2. Has a 97 percent school attendance rate in each of the last four school years, excluding any excused absences;
3. Has not been expelled from school in any of the last four school years;
4. Has a grade point average of at least 2.5 out of 4.0 in the subject area of the failed OGT as determined by the conversion chart adopted by the State Board of Education;
5. Has completed the high school curriculum requirements in the subject area of the failed test;
6. Has taken advantage of any intervention programs provided by the school district or school in the subject area of the failed OGT and has a 97 percent attendance rate, excluding any excused absences, in any of those programs that are provided at times beyond the normal school day, school week or school year, or has received comparable intervention services from a source other than the school district or school; and
7. Holds a letter recommending graduation from each of the person's high school teachers in the subject area of the failed OGT and from the person's high school principal.

You should also consider talking to a school counselor about intervention programs and summer retakes.

Who do I talk to about the alternative pathway to graduation/what is the alternative pathway to graduation?
The school counselor should be able to tell you if this is a possibility. It is also on the ODE website under keyword “alternative pathway”.

Can I walk for graduation while the school is getting the letters from teachers?
That is a local decision. ODE does not have the authority to make that decision or to suggest a course of action for schools.

One of my teachers is no longer at the school and I can't get their recommendation. What can I do?
You should talk to the school counselor. Usually, another teacher in the subject area may substitute for the other teacher.

I moved to Ohio from another state last year and have not passed all of the OGT, but I passed the graduation tests where I’m from. Do they count in Ohio?
No, Ohio does not recognize other states' tests.

My student was on the honor roll (or class president, etc.) and they didn’t pass all of the OGT. It shouldn’t be required.
Passing the OGT is required by state law to graduate.

Where can I find more information?
To find more information, click here and search keywords: Alternative Pathway.