What are some suggestions for inclusive and fair diploma options and graduation policies for English language learners?
There are several ways to make different types of diplomas fairer for all students. Four critical pieces are: (1) Have the same diploma options available to all students. This implies that there would be no diploma option designated just for students who are learning English as a second language. (2) Recognize that not all students demonstrate high-level knowledge and skills in the same way, particularly through the use of traditional English. This means that there must be other avenues to diplomas, such as an appeals process that is available for a small number of students. (It is advisable to obtain a good estimate of the possible number of students so that whatever is proposed for them is manageable.) (3) Give names to diploma options that correspond to the knowledge and skills demonstrated by the student. These options should recognize, but not necessarily encourage, diverse ways of demonstrating knowledge and skills. Consideration should be given to how these cases are handled. Fo
