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PAUSD staff propose ‘advanced diploma’ recognition built on AP Capstone; trustees and students press for equitable criteria
Summary
District staff proposed a PAUSD advanced-diploma recognition program based on AP Capstone on Aug. 19. Trustees and student representatives pressed staff to avoid raising barriers — particularly test-score requirements — and to ensure equitable access across Pali, Gunn and the Middle College pathway.
District staff on Aug. 19 outlined a proposal for a PAUSD “advanced diploma” intended to recognize rigorous academic achievement by building on the College Board’s AP Capstone pathway.
Dr. Che, presenting the plan, said the proposed recognition would expand the AP Capstone model with additional elements such as internships, a speaker series and demonstrations of student agency. “We’re working to launch PAUSD advanced diploma next school year, building upon the foundation of existing AP Capstone,” she said, noting staff would finalize criteria in the spring after stakeholder input.
Trustees and students pressed staff on access and selection criteria. Trustee Camhi and others questioned whether the program would rely on external college-admissions tests. “For AP scores, as mentioned, the scores don’t come out until summer,” Camhi said, urging caution about using ACT or SAT or other out-of-district measures as requirements. Dr. Che said the district would “definitely… explore avenues that meet the culture of Palo Alto Unified” and that screen scores were a conversation point rather than a settled policy.
Student board representative Dylan Chin told the board he had heard concerns from Pali stakeholders that adding five to six new requirements might increase pressure on first-generation students in an otherwise successful AP Capstone pathway. He invited staff to consult with Pali students and teachers before finalizing criteria. Dr. Che and Ms. Ho, the district’s new dual-enrollment and career‑pathway counselor, emphasized the proposal is intended as recognition rather than a mandate: “It is a recognition program,” Dr. Austin added, “If this turns into something where it’s an expectation for students, I’ll pull the plug on it in a second.”
Staff outlined a draft timeline that begins with input meetings in September, information sessions through the school year, and criteria finalized in spring. Ms. Ho said she has begun outreach in her first 10 days on the job and will host information sessions and targeted outreach at Gunn.
Trustees also pressed for safeguards to ensure internships and speaker-series participation are broadly available. Dr. Che noted existing work-based learning structures and a longstanding Lockheed Martin partnership that screens with SAT scores for some internships; she said that practice does not obligate the district to adopt similar screening for the advanced diploma.
Why it matters: the proposal touches on equity and workload for high-achieving programs and could shape how the district recognizes academic distinction. Staff will return with refined criteria after fall input, with a pilot timeline leading to final criteria in spring.
