DC Schools Introduce ‘Flexible Credits’ To Boost Horrible Graduation Rates
In an effort to boost the city’s failing school system, District of Columbia officials are seeking flexible credits for high school students.
Students will now be able to earn high school credit for passing a state-approved test completing a “course equivalent,” like a community-service project or a performance of some kind, The Washington Post reports.
The proposal by the Office of the State Superintendent for Education would decrease the academic credits necessary to graduate and instead increase the requirements for physical education, art and music. Students would also be allowed to earn academic credit for participating on sports teams and in music programs.
The graduation rate at D.C. Public Schools last year was just 58 percent, though it was actually up two points over the previous year. The national graduation rate is 81 percent.
A study released earlier this week showed that despite spending more money on schools than 36 of 50 states, D.C. schools still ranked at the bottom of nearly every category judged.
According to the WalletHub study, the district has the highest dropout rate, the lowest math test scores, the lowest reading test scores and the lowest average SAT scores in the entire country.
The OSSE proposal would also allow those who do not graduate, but who pass the GED, to obtain a state diploma, the same as those who graduate.
The D.C. State Board of Education will initiate a task force in August to start working on implementing the new flexible credit program. It will be charged with considering possible disadvantages and unintended consequences from the new program.
It is expected to make its recommendations in November.
Copyright 2015 The Daily Caller News Foundation
