A visit from state education officials did not sway local educators, elected officials, parents and students who oppose plans that would require Pennsylvania students to pass a series of standardized tests in order to graduate from high school.

About 40 people from at least 14 school districts attended a conference Friday at South Fayette High School with two leaders of the state Board of Education. State Education Secretary Gerald Zahorchak participated via telephone.

More than half the crowd voiced opposition to the proposal.

Conference participants represented school districts belonging to the South Hills Area School District Association, whose 22 members unanimously decided in January to pass resolutions against the state graduation tests.

As of Tuesday, 15 of the boards had passed a resolution of opposition. Among them are South Fayette, West Allegheny and Mt. Lebanon.

After Friday's meeting, South Fayette school director Frank Morelli remained opposed to giving students more tests.

"It's just another obstacle or hurdle they have to overcome to get to the next level," Mr. Morelli said. "And I don't think that's the best way to educate our kids."

Karl Girton, chairman of the state education board, said the graduation exams would not be additional tests because they could replace traditional end-of-course final exams.

"We would be able to say uniformly that students earning a diploma would have a basic set of skills and knowledge," Mr. Girton said.

Beginning in the 2013-2014 school year, 10 graduation competency assessments would be offered at least three times a year, at the end of each semester: one in English composition, one in English literature, two in science, three in mathematics and three in social studies.

To qualify for a diploma, students would have to show proficiency over the years on six out of the 10 tests, including both English exams, two in math, one in science and one in social studies.

Ann Bisignani, principal of South Fayette High School, questioned the logistics of administering multiple tests, multiple times.

"I just don't believe that 10 more tests being given to them over the years will be better," she said.

South Fayette senior Bethany Darnley, president of student government, said pupils benefit from the already rigorous curriculum and the required senior graduation project, which involves presentations, research papers and other work from eighth to 12th grade.

West Allegheny Superintendent John DiSanti said the tests would take away from valuable instructional time.

The graduation exams were approved by the state Board of Education in January but still need the approval of the state Legislature.