Debate over HSAs grows; results due this week

The fierce debate over whether Maryland’s high school seniors should be required to pass four standardized tests to graduate is growing more intense as judgment day draws closer.

The state will learn this week how many seniors face being denied their diploma because they have failed to pass the High School Assessments — which test students in government, algebra, English and biology. School board members, after having decided last year to move forward with the requirement, are now sharply divided over whether they should enforce the standard for the first time.