<p>I won't bore everyone with the details of Delaware's raging "3-Tier" diploma controversy. I think the article speaks for itself -- I particularly enjoyed the crystal clear explanation (toward the end) of how a student's index will be calculated -- particularly the reference to an "SAT II in writing" score. Lord. </p>
<p>
[quote]
DOVER The state Department of Education has proposed a regulation change that would eliminate the controversial three-tiered diploma system and allow assessments other than the Delaware Student Testing Program to count toward a students diploma status.</p>
<p>The three-tiered system, which used DSTP scores as the sole criteria to determine which of three diplomas a student would receive, fell under heavy criticism in the General Assembly before it could be implemented last spring.</p>
<p>Under the proposed changes, outlined by DOE and pending presentation to the state board of education Dec. 15, students can qualify for distinguished status based on SAT and Advanced Placement scores in addition to their DSTP scores.</p>
<p>Students who meet district graduation requirements but do not have high enough scores on any of those tests would be awarded a traditional diploma.</p>
<p>GPA would not be a factor in determining which diploma a student would receive.</p>
<p>Secretary of Education Valerie A. Woodruff said the state needs a standardized measure to determine which students graduate with distinguished diplomas and which dont.</p>
<p>Quite frankly, we dont know if the curriculum (a school is) offering is aligned to the standards, Ms. Woodruff said.</p>
<p>And how do you account for all kinds of other issues like grade inflation?</p>
<p>You need to use something that is comparable across the state.</p>
<p>Yvonne Johnson, co-chair of Advocates for Childrens Education, said variations in GPA should be easily standardized in a state as small as Delaware.</p>
<p>That GPA is not being counted is ridiculous, because that really shows what the child has learned and has achieved in four years, she said.</p>
<p>Rep. Pamela S. Maier, R-Newark, co-sponsor of legislation to replace the three-tiered diploma system, said a GPA would be a valuable alternative indicator, though not a sole indicator, for determining the level of a students diploma.</p>
<p>We need to take the awarding of a diploma seriously, whats behind it, so that it means something when students go to get a job or when they go on to higher education, she said.</p>
<p>I find it troubling that other indicators were not included, broader indicators such as GPA and classroom performance and a portfolio of work, Rep. William A. Oberle Jr., R-Newark, said.</p>
<p>You have kids who just simply test poorly.</p>
<p>Under the proposed regulation change, DSTP scores would continue to be the primary determinant of diploma level.</p>
<p>Students could request their high schools submit appropriate Advanced Placement or SAT scores to DOE if their DSTP scores make them ineligible for distinguished status.</p>
<p>DSTP scores in reading, mathematics, writing, social studies and science are each multiplied by an equal weight to determine a students diploma index. Each test is scored on a scale of one to five.</p>
<p>An index, or essentially average, of four or above would make a student eligible for a distinguished diploma.</p>
<p>Students would now have some recourse if their DSTP scores didnt cut it.</p>
<p>For example, a student could submit a SAT verbal score between 544 and 621 to substitute for a four on the reading component of the DSTP.</p>
<p>DOE has developed a variety of equivalents for SAT, SAT II in writing and Advanced Placement scores, but did not create equivalents for PSAT, American College Test or local district assessment scores, which were suggested by legislators last spring as alternative indicators.</p>
<p>DOE was not required to create equivalents for all of the alternative indicators included in the legislation immediately, but is bound by law to do so no later than Aug. 31, 2007.
[/quote]
</p>