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Romulus board approves GED credit-by-exam policy after trustees raise fairness concerns
Summary
The Romulus Community Schools board approved procedures allowing adult education and RBLC students to request credit based on GED or high-set test results. Trustees debated risks that standardized tests could disadvantage some students before approving the policy in a roll-call vote.
The Romulus Community Schools Board of Education on June 8 approved a district policy permitting eligible Romulus Adult Education and RBLC students to request credit evaluation based on official GED or high-set assessment results, with credits recorded on transcripts as "credit by examination." The board approved the measure after discussion about assessment fairness.
The district motion explains the policy aligns with Michigan law and Department of Education guidance, and establishes a process for administrators to review official score reports, transcripts and credit histories before awarding credit. The motion text states: "Credits awarded through this process will be based on demonstrated mastery of high school level content standards rather than instructional seat time."
During discussion trustees expressed reservations about relying on standardized assessments for awarding credit. Some board members warned that a heavy reliance on test-taking could disadvantage students who do not perform well on standardized exams and could have unintended enrollment or retention consequences for the district. The transcript records concerns about retroactivity and the risk that mandating testing could prompt families to leave, but trustees did not identify a specific statutory barrier to implementing the option.
Trustee Jackson moved the recommendation and Vice President Davis supported it. The motion passed on a roll-call vote: Jackson — yes; Davis — yes; Kamal — yes; Laster — yes.
The policy directs district administration to verify official score reports and student records before granting credits and to document awarded credits as equivalent to those earned through coursework for graduation purposes. No specific budget implications were identified in the motion notes; the transcript cites a GED/high-set proposal prepared by Wendy Grinch.
The board’s vote implements a new pathway to credit for adult learners and RBLC students; trustees asked administrators to ensure clear communications and protections for students who may be disadvantaged by standardized testing.
