OTHELLO — Students at Othello High School will have more options for getting their diplomas, following some changes to the district’s graduation requirements.

Amy Parris, director of school to career for the Othello School District, said the changes mostly are designed for students who are looking at alternatives to college, like apprentice programs or joining the military.

The plan was approved by Othello School Board members at the regular meeting Jan. 11.

The goal is to give kids classes and opportunities that will fit in with their post-high school plans.

“To have some ideas for after high school and be able to close the deal when they get there,” Parris said. “A more meaningful diploma.”

Parris cited options from the district’s business education curriculum as examples.

A student looking toward a career as an office manager or marketing analyst, among other options, would start with computer classes in addition to their required classes, then business and marketing classes, and certification in the use of specific computer programs.

A student who was interested in a career in marketing or media would take computer and marketing classes along with the required classes, get some experience at a local business and take courses at the Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center. In both cases, students could qualify for Big Bend Community College credits.

Students who are looking toward joining the military would take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery), which would count toward high school graduation credit.

Students will start taking surveys to determine their interests in eighth grade. Those surveys will track if kids change their minds about a career as they go through high school, and if they do, how they change. All classes meet OHS graduation requirements, so even if kids change their minds about a career path, the classes still count toward graduation.

“It’s not a waste,” Parris said.

The goal is to educate kids about all the options available to them in their chosen field, she said.

“I love the direction we’re going,” Parris said.

The district’s career and technical education program offers options for business and marketing, agriculture education, family and consumer sciences, health sciences, engineering and related fields (STEM), skilled and technical sciences and career choices.