Dubuque Schools look to update graduation requirements

Dubuque Community School Board members next week will consider approving updated district graduation requirements that reduce the number of credits needed to graduate and give students more flexibility in selecting electives. Currently, Dubuque high school students must complete 46 semester-long credits to graduate. Under the new policy, that total number would be reduced to 44. The number of required English, math, science, social studies, wellness and financial literacy credits would remain the same, but all “directed electives” such as world cultures, fine arts and applied learning — would be eliminated, and students would take 13 elective credits in any area of their choosing. Dubuque Community School Board members are scheduled to meet at 5:30 p.m. on Monda at the Forum on Chaney Road.