District representatives testify in Olympia

District representatives testify in Olympia
School board member Cindy Meyer and Superintendent Mick Miller traveled to Olympia last week to testify in favor of Senate Bill 5477. This bill would allow for an applied diploma as well as a standard diploma.

“While the bill is not perfect, I believe it is a step in the right direction,” Miller said. “Currently, the diploma in Washington is "one size fits all" and is very much geared for four year college entry requirements.”

This year, 16,000 seniors in Washington are on track to graduate in regards to the credits they have earned, but have not met the end of course exams in Algebra or Geometry. Students have one more chance with a "collection of evidence" as an alternative assessment.
Miller says an applied diploma would allow students to take fewer math and English courses and "substitute" courses in applied areas such as technology, fine and performing arts, and career and technical education.

“I am supportive of this because it gives kids more options and provides more relevance to their educational experience,”Miller said. “Candidly, I do not believe this particular bill will be successful moving out of committee, but the discussion has begun.”