Ohio students are required to pass the Ohio Graduation Test (OGT) in order to earn a high school diploma.  The test assesses student abilities in the following areas:

•  Reading
• Writing
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social studies

In Ohio, the OGT measures a student's ability in core areas (listed above) insures that Ohio high school graduates are proficient up to the tenth grade level.  As in all levels of Ohio testing, students have more than one opportunity to take and pass the test. 

A student who does not pass the OGT can still earn a diploma if they meet all of the following criteria:

• Pass four of the five tests and have missed passing the fifth test by no more than 10 scale points.
• Have a 97% attendance rate during each of the last four years
• Must not have had an expulsion in the last four years
• Have a GPA of 2.5 (on a 4 point system) in the subject area missed
• Has completed the curriculum requirements for the subject area missed
• Has participated in intervention programs offered by the school and has had a 97% attendance rate in any programs offered
• Obtain letters of recommendation from each teacher in the subject area not yet passed and the high school principal.

Students with disabilities may earn a high school diploma without passing the OGT if their IEP (Individual Education Plan) excuses them from the having to pass the OGT as a graduation requirement.  However, Federal law requires they take the OGT or an alternative assessment.

More information about the Ohio Graduation Test may be obtained at the following web site:

www.ode.state.oh.us