Fast-Track Diplomas to Cut Dropout Rate

Des Moines, Iowa Has a New Twist on Graduation Requirements

Nov 1, 2009

While other states are increasing graduation requirements and frustrating already discouraged high school students, Des Moines decided to condense them.

Many bright students are so bored with high school that they decide to drop out. Statistically, a significant portion of bright students become dropouts. Some are behind in credits, some have had attendance issues, but some just want to get out of high school because it is intolerably boring for them.

Des Moines, Iowa Not Pleased With Graduation Numbers

Des Moines is the state capital of Iowa and one of the larger school districts in the U.S. In general, the Midwest is more successful in educating students than other parts of the nation. The Des Moines district educates approximately 31,000 students with a professional staff of nearly 3,000 and a total staff of 4875 employees. The district serves more students than Pittsburgh. However, the graduation rate is unacceptable to Iowans. While other large school districts have a graduation rate at 50%, Des Moines has an 82% graduation rate and not pleased with this number.

Des Moines Graduation Criteria

Des Moines Schools want to tweak the graduation requirements on a case-by-case basis. Presently, Des Moines Schools require the following for graduation:

However, Des Moines officials thought there had to be a way to reduce the 18% dropout rate. The district

In addition, selected students will be able to graduate with 18 credits; five under the present requirement of 23 credits. Supt. Nancy Sebring said, "Students who receive a "fast-track" diploma would meet all state and district requirements as well as the entrance criteria at Iowa’s three state universities." [1]

The Des Moines Independent School District is not the first school in the area to offer alternative diplomas. Neighboring districts of West Des Moines and Urbandale in sprawling Des Moines also have unique graduation programs. Urbandale requires 19.5 credits for graduation under the fast-track program. This is possible by reducing Physical Education and elective requirements.

Fast-track is an option for juniors or seniors that are behind in credits for various reasons. A major illness or crises in the family could force a child out of school for more than the maximum days allowed, making it very difficult to catch up. With lives already in turmoil, students are not always able to cope with the stress and may give up on school.

Iowa’s Department of Education Discourages Fast-Track Diplomas

Director of Education for Iowa, Judy Jeffrey says, "I’m extremely reluctant to decrease graduation requirements, but I think every district is unique and it is part of their local control." [1]

Schools Are Requiring More Credits Now than Parents Needed to Graduate

Does it seem that today’s high school students are busier in school than the parents were? Well, that is because they are. In the mid-1980s when parents of these students were attending high school, the graduation requirements in many Iowa high schools for graduation was 17 credits. So, while dropping requirements from 23 to 19 may seem substantial, it is still more than the parents needed for graduation.

At some point in time, schools and states will need to assess just how much they can place on a child’s plate before they collapse. Some are very capable to taking on the challenge. Others are not. If students on a case-by-case basis are allowed to earn a fast-track, they will have the option of going on to further their education in the future when their lives get on track. The majority of Des Moines students will still be required to earn 23 credits to graduate.

[1] Walker, Melissa. "Des Moines to consider ‘fast-track’ diploma to cut dropout rate," The Des Moines Register. October 26, 2009.

The copyright of the article Fast-Track Diplomas to Cut Dropout Rate in Educational Issues is owned by Barbara Pytel. Permission to republish Fast-Track Diplomas to Cut Dropout Rate in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.