High school student urges Maryland board to ease graduation requirements for English learners

Peter Boiko, a sophomore at Northwest High School in Montgomery County, told the Maryland State Board of Education that some statewide graduation requirements are a barrier for English learners (ELs).

"All EL students in middle and high school should not be required to take a world language," Boiko said in public comment, arguing that students who are still acquiring English proficiency are forced to learn two languages simultaneously. He suggested that world-language coursework be optional for ELs or count as an elective if they choose it.

Boiko also recommended reducing the year-long health requirement back to a semester and using the freed scheduling space to add a half-credit of financial literacy. He urged that technology and computer-science courses be allowed to satisfy elective requirements rather than being mandated if they do not align with a student’s intended pathway.

Boiko cited data from the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future English Learner work group (2020–21) showing a graduation rate gap — the presentation noted about 61% graduation for ELs during that year compared with roughly 90% for English-proficient peers — to underline the stakes of policy choices.

The student left board members with a practical request: he provided his email in the registration and asked to be contacted to schedule a meeting on the topic.

Next steps: Board members acknowledged his testimony and the department said public comments will be taken under advisement as the board and MSDE continue implementation work related to the Blueprint and to supports for EL students.