Idaho education chief Tom Luna is supportive of reforms that would let some high school students graduate early.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Luna told IdahoReporter.com in this video interview that he’s opened the door to let districts set up their plans to let students who show they know a subject pass early. He also said he’s interested in a plan that would give students a financial incentive to graduate early.
Luna’s temporary rule that would let students graduate early lets districts create their own standards giving students class credit. Here’s the temporary rule:
Mastery. Students may also achieve credits by demonstrating mastery of a subject’s content standards through one or more of the following as defined and approved by the local school district or LEA
The rule doesn’t define mastery, but Luna is suggesting that districts’ standards of mastery be passing a test or showing a certificate or other proof that a student has done work similar to a class. The rule needs to be passed by a House or Senate committee before it would become permanent in July.
Hurray for Rep’s Durst and Thayn, and Supt Luna for stepping out of the box and identifying thousands of bright students in our high schools, who have been forced to remain in classrooms where they are not challenged and are only picking up bad habits, losing sight of who they are and where they are going and just generally moving into a state of discouragement, and losing energy and enthusiasm for their future. What a waste of time and talent this has been. As educators, we must stand up for this idea of being passed because of accomplishment instead of seat time. There are good answers for the challenges to school districts as they face these changes.
Semi-retired School Principal/Superintendent