"An Act providing for differentiated secondary school diplomas; and providing for an effective date."

I've heard many concerns as to what will happen to those students who are unable to pass the high school exit exam. In response to those concerns I have introduced HB 457.

I support the exit exam however I believe a basic diploma should be available to those students who meet all the local requirements yet for various reasons are unable to pass the exit exam. An employer or institution of higher education could then have a discussion with the graduate as to their strengths and weaknesses. Without a diploma a student wouldn't be able to get into the military service, many vocational education programs and or trade schools.

Under HB 457 there would be a diploma with three possible differentiations. The Basic Diploma for those who meet the local schools graduation requirements, but fail the exit exam. The Enhanced Diploma for those students who meet the local schools graduation requirements and pass the exit exam. The Advanced Diploma for those students who meet the local schools requirements, and pass the exit exam, plus have additional advance placement classes that are consistent with academic excellence and count towards their college degree. Under my proposed legislation the students who in the past would not receive a diploma due to not meeting local requirements would not qualify for one under this bill either. I envision that in actuality there will be one diploma with a space for inserting the type of diploma that the student is receiving.

I ask your support of HB 457 "Differentiated Secondary School Diploma".

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