Standard Diploma; Board of Education shall develop alternative graduation pathways to earn.

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary does not provide specific details on how these new paths will be approved or implemented, leaving this aspect uncertain.

Creating Alternative Ways to Earn a Standard Diploma

This bill directs the Board of Education to create new ways for students to earn a standard diploma without passing certain tests.

What This Bill Does

• Directs the Board of Education to develop alternative graduation pathways to earn a standard diploma.
• Requires these pathways to include different methods to demonstrate competence, such as hands-on projects or civic activities.
• Ensures at least one pathway allows students to prove their skills without taking tests.
• Asks the Board to consult with various stakeholders when developing these new paths.

Who It Names or Affects

• Students in Virginia
• The Board of Education

Terms To Know

Standard Diploma

A type of high school diploma given to students who meet certain requirements set by the state.

Profile of a Virginia Graduate

A description of what skills and knowledge graduates should have when they leave high school in Virginia.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill does not specify how these new paths will be approved or implemented.
• It is unclear if the changes will affect students who are already in high school.

Official Summary Text

Board of Education; development of alternative graduation pathways to earn a Standard Diploma; report.
Directs the Board of Education to develop alternative graduation pathways to earn a Standard Diploma that are designed to expand opportunities for students to complete the verified credit requirements for the Standard Diploma that do not require achieving a passing score on applicable Standards of Learning assessments. In developing such alternative graduation pathways, the bill directs the Board to (i) consult with and integrate the perspectives of a broad range of relevant stakeholders; (ii) consider alignment with the competencies articulated in the
Profile of a Virginia Graduate
; (iii) consider certain elements for incorporation into such alternative pathways, including nonassessment demonstrations of competence, alternative assessments that could be used in lieu of or alongside Standards of Learning assessments, and pathway structures or elements designed to encourage hands-on learning and civic engagement; (iv) ensure that any such alternative graduation pathways do not impact or replace the current requirements for earning a Standard Diploma or an Advanced Studies Diploma; (v) ensure at least one alternative pathway is developed that includes a nonassessment demonstration of competence; and (vi) consider next steps for approval and implementation of such alternative graduation pathways. Finally, the bill directs the Board to submit to the Governor and Chairs of the House Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on Education and Health by January 1, 2027, a report detailing the Board's progress in developing alternative graduation pathways to earn a Standard Diploma, in accordance with the provisions of the bill.

Current Bill Text

HB 1171

EDUCATION AND HEALTH

1. Line 43, engrossed, after
by

strike

January

insert

November