SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) State education officials are giving school districts the OK to develop their own high school graduation requirements after complaints that New Mexico's changes might prevent thousands of students from graduating. The Public Education Department announced the decision to allow districts to tweak state rules for at least another year at a Legislative committee hearing Thursday.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports the announcement came after superintendents complained about the implementation of a 2008 state law that mandates graduation standards.
State officials said they have been clarifying rules in the law requiring students to earn 24.5 credits, pass all core courses and demonstrate competency in five key subjects before being allowed to graduate.
Districts complained about how the state counted some electives and workforce training.
