The tradition of a spring high school commencement went by the wayside for four Toledo seniors this week after a judge quashed their pleas to graduate with their classmates, despite the fact they failed the Ohio Graduation Test.

Similar battles are being waged all around the state - both in court and out - on behalf of students who failed the OGT, but still wanted to "walk through" graduation. This is the first year that Ohio seniors were required to pass all five parts of the OGT in order to receive a diploma.

Toledo Public Schools

Toledo Public Schools amended their graduation policy on May 29 to exclude seniors who failed the OGT from participating in ceremonies. The four students who sought a restraining order to allow their participation were among the first who suffered from the new requirement for passing the OGT.

The students now have the option of attending a summer preparation course and retaking the OGT. If they pass, they will be allowed to participate in a fall commencement.

It all came down to an argument of "harm." The students' attorney argued the students had been allowed to particpate in all senior activities up to the point of graduation and had even prepared for that event.

The school district's attorney said no real harm had been done to the students because they still enjoyed the summer school/fall graduation option. They will graduate in the Class of 2007, but just a little later than everyone else.

Judge Gary Cook of the Lucas County Common Pleas Court denied the restraining order, saying the district's modification of its graduation policy was not a "material change."

An article in the Toledo Blade on June 5 noted these students had taken the OGT at least twice a year since 10th grade and were still unable to pass all five sections: math, science, social studies, writing and reading.

Ten Percent Failed

Ten percent of Toledo's 2007 graduating class failed the test. Thirty-two of these students protested in front of the district's administration building on May 21, seeking permission to participate in graduation.

Graduation Policies Vary Around Ohio

Procedures for allowing failing students to participate in graduation ceremonies varied around the state. In Cincinnati, seniors who met all other graduation criteria, but failed one or more sections of the OGT, were still allowed to join in commencement exercises.