Bob, chair of the State Board of Education, presented a revised proposal to change the state's high-school graduation credit rule that currently requires 22 credits including two world-language credits. "I'm proposing to change that to one credit," Bob said, explaining the board would keep the 22-credit total but free up one elective credit so students may pursue focused program studies, dual enrollment or CTE concentrators.

Bob framed the proposal as expanding student choice: the single required world-language credit would ensure districts must offer some language instruction while giving students a fourth elective slot to pursue a focused pathway. He cited research the department compiled and the Education Commission of the States to say many states no longer require two world-language credits; he said 44 of 50 states do not require world language for graduation (a claim several members noted should be checked against sources).

Board members pushed back on several fronts. Some urged preserving two credits to provide cultural exposure and better prepare students for competitive college programs; others said staffing shortages — particularly in rural districts — risk eliminating world-language offerings unless a requirement remains. Several members recommended improving and standardizing the current waiver language rather than reducing the required credits, and asked the department to provide data on what electives students currently choose and how the change would affect college, career or military readiness.

Bob said the department would create a standardized waiver template and encourage expanded virtual and dual-enrollment options to protect access in districts that cannot hire full-time language teachers. The board did not vote on the proposal at the workshop; members asked for more data, clearer definitions of elective-focus substitutions and further discussion before any formal action.