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Gadsden ISD trustees review new graduation policy draft that deletes competency testing and adds local credits
Summary
District staff presented a rewrite of policy IKF to reflect recent state rule changes that remove a testing-based demonstration of competency, add locally required credits and clarify special-education graduation options; board members asked for procedures on transfers, waivers and parent notification.
GADSDEN INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS — The Gadsden Independent Schools Board of Trustees heard a first reading Wednesday of a substantially rewritten graduation policy (IKF) that removes state-era competency-test language, adds locally required credits, and narrows which special-education graduation tracks will be available to future students.
The draft policy, presented by Mr. Wagenmeier, lays out two tracks of primary importance going forward: a standard diploma pathway and an "ability" program of study for students with significant cognitive disabilities. It removes references to the administrative code section that formerly required passing a state competency test and instead requires, for students entering ninth grade in 2025–26 and later, that students attempt the federally required ESSA Title I assessments in language arts, math and science. "Students must attempt, and I want to emphasize attempt, not pass, but just attempt the federally required ESSA title 1 assessments that measure proficiency in language arts, math, and science," Wagenmeier told the board.
Why it matters: The state…
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