A new diploma based on individual career plans for each student was approved by the legislature and is awaiting the governor’s signature. The diploma will be offered to students who are 15 years of age or will become 15 during the following school year and must be approved by the student’s parents.

The program is designed for students who are not initially college-bound but will provide them with alternatives to immediate entrance into a four-year university after high school graduation.

The diploma program will require four English credits, four math credits, three science credits, three social studies credit, two health and physical education credits and seven technical and career course credits, including a half-credit in career readiness and one course in computer applications. According to the legislation, “a career diploma...shall by considered a regular standard diploma and shall by recognized by all institutions under the management and supervision of the Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges.”

The program will contain a five-year individual graduation plan approved by the student’s parents to be reviewed at the end of each year by the student, parents, and school advisor. The plan can be revised as needed.

The bill also allows for dual enrollment by the student in business internship or work-study programs or in an approved technical college.

LEAP requirements for eighth-grade will include at least the approaching basic level in either English Language Arts or math. If the student scores at the unsatisfactory level on any component of the eighth-grade LEAP, they must complete a summer remediation program before entering ninth grade.

Other requirements for entering the new diploma program include at least a 1.5 grade point average on coursework required for completion of the eighth grade; demonstrate acceptable attendance and behavior standards; must participate in a dropout prevention and mentoring program developed in consultation with school guidance personnel during their first year in high school; and must have the written permission of his parent of other legal guardian after consultation with the school guidance counselor or administrator determines this option is appropriate and in the best interest of the student.

In addition the bill states that the career diploma will provide technical skill and an academic core that “shall prepare students to pursue either a degree or certification from a postsecondary institution, an industry-based training or certification, an apprenticeship, the military or immediate entrance into a career field.”

The bill is awaiting the governor’s signature; however, it is not yet known how soon the career diploma curriculum would be implemented or developed by either the state or St. Tammany School System.