Some states are tying advanced diplomas to test results

By Del Stover

2/19/02 – In this age of high-stakes testing, student test scores are used for a variety of purposes–to measure student achievement, rate schools and teachers, allocate grants, and even determine who is eligible to graduate from high school.

Now, in an effort to recognize high-achieving students, a number of states intend to use test scores to determine what kind of high school diploma is awarded:

• Starting with the class of 2003, students who score well on Pennsylvania state tests will have a "seal of distinction" or "seal of proficiency" placed on their diplomas.

• In Delaware, the class of 2004 will receive a "basic," "standard," or "distinguished" diploma depending on statewide assessments.

• Students who fail Massachusetts' exit exam for high school will be awarded a "local certificate" to show they've completed 12th grade.

• The Louisiana state board of education is considering a proposal to award an "academic enhancement" diploma tied partly to ACT scores.

• Students in Vermont who graduate next year with high test scores will be awarded a "Governor's Diploma" or "Governor's Diploma with Distinction."

The awarding of "advanced" or "honors" diplomas for students who complete more rigorous coursework is nothing new. But some criticism has surfaced recently about awarding special diplomas solely to reward students with high test scores.

For Timothy Potts, director of the Pennsylvania School Reform Network, it's a matter of equity. Disadvantaged students traditionally score poorly on state tests, partly because they attend inadequately funded schools. He argues the playing field isn't level enough for disadvantaged students to compete for these special diplomas.

"It seems utterly unfair to me that the state would confer a benefit on someone when they have not attempted to make it truly available to all students," he says.

In Vermont, the wisdom of using state exams to judge student achievement was not an issue when the state legislature approved the Governor's Diploma in 1998, says Peter Thoms, policy analyst for the state education department. "It passed the legislature without a lot of discussion."

Since then, however, as the diploma program was delayed while new academic standards were put in place, questions have been raised about the wisdom of relying on such a snapshot assessment.

Also, two of the exams are given to students in 10th grade, which some critics contend is too early to decide whether academic recognition is due.

Despite such complaints, the idea of recognizing high-achieving students is popular–and criticism about using test scores just isn't resonating with policymakers or the public, state officials say.

In Delaware, which will soon implement its three-tiered diploma system, the issue hasn't generated much attention. "I haven't heard of any negative comments," says Robin Taylor, an associate secretary in the state education department.

In Louisiana, the only criticism about a proposal last year to create an "academic enhancement" diploma was that the academic bar wasn't set high enough.

The state board of education asked for changes when state education officials proposed awarding the diploma to students earning, among other criteria, a 20 on the ACT college entrance exam.

That standard was barely higher than the state average ACT score of 19.6, says state board member Leslie Jacobs. "If you're going to give an academic enhancement on a diploma, it should mean students are academically ready to go to college. A student hitting a 20 ACT could end up in remedial coursework."

Meanwhile, in New York, which has long awarded a Regents diploma to students who passed voluntary state exams, the standards also are being raised.

Starting with this year's ninth-grade class, all students will need to pass state exams to earn a diploma, while students seeking a diploma with honors must score an average of 90 percent in all exams.

Attitudes toward the diploma systems could change, however, as several states prepare to implement them.

In Delaware, Taylor says, the next test of public opinion will come when test results are published for the class of 2003–and parents learn which diploma their children will receive.

And, only months before Pennsylvania implements its diploma seals programs, mounting criticism prompted state lawmakers last week to consider legislation to make the program voluntary.