The Simpson County, Kentucky school district is requiring all students be college or career ready before getting their high school diploma.
The state measures college and career readiness through various tests and credential students can earn, but it’s not a requirement to graduate statewide.
Simpson County Schools Superintendent Jim Flynn says if his students don’t meet the mark, there are safety nets built into the policy.
“They could go out and show their welding skills, do something that benefits the community that proves even though they didn’t hit a benchmark on some kind of standardized test that they can still contribute positively to the community," said Flynn.
Last year only 30 percent of Simpson County students were college and career ready. Flynn says he expects that number to jump to 75 percent when results are released this week.
The Bullitt County school district has also passed a similar policy that will begin with seniors graduating in 2015.
