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Georgia has joined other states that now require students to pass a particular test prior to high school graduation. This test is called the Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT). The GHSGT is designed to ensure students are properly educated to the point that they are ready to start their career or college.
The GHSGT test is comprised of four basic subject areas. These areas are math, English and language arts, science, and social studies. These four areas are core to the Georgia curriculum and all students should learn the core concepts and skills that are covered by the test. Students must pass in all four areas in order to qualify for graduation according to state laws.
Georgia Graduation Requirements
All students are required to take and pass these tests in order to graduate from high school in Georgia. But the administrators of the GHSGT understand that not all students are capable of this sort of testing. For situations when a student's disabilities affect their ability to test accurately, they are given an assessment by the Georgia Alternate Assessment team. Students can then receive an exemption and will be able to receive their high school diploma.
The GHSGT is first administered to students in the eleventh grade. In the fall, students are given the written area of the test. Retakes are offered in the spring of that year, as well as that summer. Retakes are also offered in the fall and spring of the twelfth grade year. In the spring, eleventh graders are given the rest of the tests that cover reading, math, social studies, and science. If these areas are not passed, they are available for retakes over the next four quarters.
In order to pass, students must receive a score of at least 500 in each area. Students who score higher are eligible for advanced placement courses. Students who do not pass are not completely left out of graduation. Instead of a typical diploma, students can opt to receive a high school certificate or special education certificate instead. This indicates completion of high school, but not actual graduation.
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