The Tattooed Teacher

One of the provisions of No Child Left Behind is to phase out everything but a regular education diploma.  This means no more certificates of attendance, and no more special education diplomas for students with disabilities.  This may not mean much to some people, but to me and my special education students, this will be a catastrophic change.  Most of my students will work to the best of the ability, showing great effort, but will never pass the high-stakes standardized tests that are required for high school graduation with a regular education diploma.  So, if the student completes their goals as stated in their IEP (Individualized Education Plan), they will receive a special education diploma.  While it is not the same as a regular diploma, it still shows their effort and dedication to school, and that they have achieved something notable.  And often employers only ask if they have a diploma, not what kind they have.  So my students can still get a job after high school.  Many of them, if they have the ability, can also get into a technical school or even community college with a special education diploma.

With the phasing out of the special education diploma, my students would receive nothing unless they pass the high-stakes standardized tests.  No diploma whatsoever.  This will have a catastrophic effect on the drop-out rate.  What incentive is there for the student to stay in school?  If they know they cannot pass the test, they will give up.  Not only will the graduation rate go down (currently 60% in my district), but the drop-out will skyrocket.  With no diploma, my students will be the left behind.