State Board of Education Chair Bob Eby presented a revised graduation-requirements proposal that would change the current rule requiring two credits of the same world language to a single required credit while keeping the 22-credit graduation total intact.

Eby said the change would increase elective flexibility (four elective credits rather than three), make world language an available "focused program of study," and standardize or simplify the waiver/substitution process. He framed the proposal as preserving access for students who want language study while enabling other students to take concentrator or dual-enrollment courses aligned to their career pathways. "If it's not necessary, why not fix it now for the future?" Eby asked.

Eby cited national comparisons and admissions practices, asserting that 44 of 50 states do not require world language for high school graduation and that some colleges have moved to holistic admissions rather than strict world-language requirements. He also described staffing challenges in rural districts and said partners such as the Niswonger Foundation intend to expand virtual language offerings.

Board members pushed back on several fronts. Some said two credits provide a meaningful baseline for cultural exposure and allow relationship-building with teachers; others worried that reducing the requirement could lead districts to de-prioritize language instruction, especially given existing staffing shortages. One board member said, "If we take away 2 credits the world language, where does that end?" Another member noted that some universities and specific majors still require language courses.

Committee and staff discussion focused on policy mechanics: improving or standardizing the current waiver language; listing allowed course substitutions; or embedding waiver/substitution choices in the High School and Beyond portal to make opt-out choices transparent to families and counselors. Staff offered to prepare standardized waiver templates and to clarify how elective-focus and concentrator rules would interact with the proposal.

Next steps: Board members asked for additional data (elective-course breakdowns, staffing/vacancy figures and substitution lists). Chair Eby said he would present a modified approach for board consideration in February.