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Wasatch County proposes new pathway to graduation for alternative‑school students
Summary
District staff presented a new FOCUS graduation policy aligned with state code to let some students in the alternative program earn up to specified core credits via GED‑style assessments, subject to committee approval and reading‑level requirements; staff highlighted supports including work‑based learning and adult education.
A presenter (Speaker 5) told the board the proposed FOCUS graduation policy is intended to give certain alternative‑school seniors another path to graduate with peers while meeting strict approval and assessment criteria.
"I think is now a model policy for the rest of the state," the presenter said, describing the proposal as aligned with new state code and rules and targeted to students with specific needs such as medical or mental‑health issues that prevented them from earning credits earlier.
Under the policy, schools may award core credits to qualifying alternative‑school students who pass GED‑style exams; reading proficiency (at least freshman level via a state test, Lexile, or national test) is a stated requirement. The policy limits awarded credits to "up to" the number the student is deficient in (the presenter cited the wording as coming from the state). A committee — described as including a principal and representatives from the high schools and the alternative program — must approve a student's participation.
Tara (Speaker 1), who described her role as working in the alternative school, told the board the program focuses on recovering credits, building social and job skills, and connecting students to postsecondary options through partnerships such as workforce services and WIOA. She reported adult‑education and GED successes and invited board members to attend upcoming graduations.
Board members asked whether students in the alternative program who meet the criteria would be allowed to "walk" at the main‑campus graduation and sought clarity on the limit of credits awarded; staff replied the policy will not shift credits but may fill missing core pieces and that walking decisions follow existing parameters. The policy was listed as an action item to be considered by the board.
