Ed board's proposal backs generic diploma

High school seniors no longer would get an alternative or basic diploma, but a generic diploma, with some type of designation stating whether they passed the Utah Basic Skills Competency Test or not.

That's the latest tweak the State Board of Education made this week, in attempts to meet the intent of the state's U-PASS school accountability law and ensure the college-bound aren't blocked when they apply for Pell grants.

"I think it should satisfy the Legislature . . . and give all students the greatest advantage to get financial aid," said Carol Lear, director of school law and legislation for the State Office of Education.

All students have to pass the basic skills test to get a full diploma.

Those who try it three times can get a different kind of diploma, but diploma nonetheless. Problem is, the state used to call it an "alternative completion diploma," verbiage higher-education bosses worried would not be readily accepted by federal college-aid offices.

A rule approved last month in response to the aid issue would have allowed school districts to say nothing on diplomas of students who didn't pass the basic skills test. But that didn't sit well with some lawmakers.

The new rule also adds a requirement for those receiving the alternate diploma a year from now: Students also will have to have taken advantage of remedial help offered them, according to school-district policy.