Bill to change rules for diploma faces opposition

Wednesday, May 25, 2005 | 9:07 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- A bill that would change the criteria for receiving a high school diploma came under attack from officials of the Clark and Washoe county school districts Tuesday.

The bill, before the Senate Finance Committee, would create a new "advanced high school diploma" and maintain a standard high school diploma. To gain the advanced degree, a student would have to pass all sections of the high school proficiency test, as is now required.

Craig Kadlub, director of government affairs for the Clark County School District, said the proposal in Assembly Bill 397 would lower the standards for receiving a diploma.

Anne Loring, a member of the Washoe County School District, also opposed the bill supported by Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani, D-Las Vegas.

Under the bill, a student, to receive a standard high school diploma, would have to gain a "composite score" on the proficiency for passing. Otherwise the scores on the various sections of the tests would be averaged.

Giunchigliani said the standard diploma would show the student passed all courses and the high school proficiency test based on a composite or overall score.

Loring told the committee that a high school student should pass each section of the proficiency examination. "We cannot support composite scoring," she said.

Kadlub said Clark County already gives out an advanced high school diploma for those who pass tougher courses. About the "composite score" on the proficiency exam, he said, "I see a lowering of standards."

Kadlub said he had no problem with the proposed change of a certificate of attendance for a high school student who is not graduating to a certificate of credit completion.

Giunchigliani's bill would also permit those students who are not getting high school diplomas to still participate in the graduation ceremonies. She said they have done everything but pass the proficiency test.