LOWER LAKE — Konocti trustees are considering a policy that would permit awarding “Certificates of Completion” to high-school seniors who have met graduation requirements but have not been able to pass the California High School Exit Exam (CaHSEE). Awarding of these certificates would be subject to strict criteria that the student would have to meet.
The policy is intended to aid students who need Educational Support Services (ESS) or English Language Learner (ELL) assistance. School board trustees made clear at a Wednesday hearing that they do not want students to abuse this policy as an easy way out of taking the exam.
Trustee Carolynn Jarrett said that the door had been previously shut to awarding anything but a high-school diploma. “If we open this door, it has to be really, really clear who we are talking about. We are not talking about students who skate through high school.”
Trustee Hank Montgomery added, “I”m concerned that we don”t dilute the importance of a high-school diploma.”
First reading of the policy came before the board on Wednesday. “When a student completes all other requirements, I feel it is moral to recognize that student”s accomplishments,” said Lower Lake High School principal Jeff Dixon.
Dixon recommended the student take part in an intervention program to assist with passing the test. Superintendent Dr. Louise Nan said the fourth criterion could be included when the policy comes back for second reading.
Carl? principal Bill MacDougall added his support for the policy, saying he has seen students who can do amazing things but who just can”t “pass the test.”
Awarding of a certificate would not be automatic according to Dixon”s criteria. A three-person review panel would examine each student”s circumstances. The panel would be made up of the principal or administrative designee, an ESS or ELL teacher and a counselor.
Contact Cynthia Parkhill at cparkhill@clearlakeobserver.com.
