ID SCR122

State Department of Education and State Board of Education are requested to research and implement new high school graduation pathways for both college-bound and career technical students.

Current graduation requirements are designed specifically for college-bound students but many students prefer career technical education pathways requiring hands-on experience and alternative forms of math and English instruction.

Proposed alternative pathways for demonstrating mastery include: math, English, and science credits aligned with career programs; high school and college credits combined with industry certificates; SAT scores at certain levels; Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) scores; participation in two or more extracurricular activities such as FFA or band; and other college and career readiness metrics.

Career technical graduation pathways could increase graduation rates by meeting the needs of students choosing applied career paths while requiring demonstration of skills, knowledge, and personal attributes that increase the value of an Idaho high school diploma.

New pathways should accurately predict future success and support students whether they choose college-bound paths, career technical paths, or a combination of both.