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Board reviews new high‑school diploma pathways: career‑tech pathway, seals and crosswalk to existing credits
Summary
The board reviewed draft rules for two diploma pathways (Option A — current requirements; Option B — career/CTE pathway), a workforce pathway seal, and incidental code cleanups (remove outdated distance‑learning language, correct PE/kinesiology language). Staff proposed the changes be effective for students beginning 2025–26.
Department staff presented draft language to implement a law authorizing two ways to meet the Alabama high‑school diploma requirements: an Option A path that follows the current required courses and an Option B path that emphasizes career technical education (CTE) sequences and electives.
What was presented: - Both Option A and Option B would remain 24‑credit diplomas; they would represent different course sequences to reach the same diploma rather than different diploma types printed on the certificate. - Option B requires three (3) credits in a career‑technical sequence (a CTE completer) and increases elective flexibility: additional mathematics/science, world languages, arts education or other electives could be used to satisfy elective credits. Staff emphasized the design is intended to preserve college and postsecondary options while strengthening CTE pathways. - The draft adds a workforce pathway seal: students who complete a four‑course CTE sequence plus a senior capstone (internship, apprenticeship or similar) would earn a seal on their transcript/diploma acknowledging workforce readiness. - Staff recommended removing an outdated distance‑learning requirement (originally written when email/online access was nascent) and correcting the code language to use “beginning kinesiology” rather than “physical education.” - The draft also corrects the code to allow charter school governing authorities to issue state diplomas (an oversight in prior code language that referenced only county or city boards).
Why it matters: The change creates an explicit career pathway that state lawmakers and education leaders intend to make more attractive and viable for students who want workforce preparation without closing college options. It also clarifies diploma issuance for charter schools and modernizes obsolete code language.
Board discussion and next steps: Staff said drafts will be circulated and that the department intends to present the rule as an intent item in October and pursue final action in December so that the changes are communicated to middle‑ and high‑school counselors before students lock in 4‑year plans. Staff and board members discussed counselor training, timing for eighth‑grade planning and communications to families.
Ending: Board members commended the effort to keep both college and career options open and asked staff to finalize textual corrections and communications materials for counselors and families.
