NEW: Rep. Morrison Fights for Diplomas for All Graduates
Wednesday, March 07, 2012
Rep. Richard P. Morrison believes the state’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has created an “underclass” of school children in the state, those special needs children who complete individualized education plans but who will be denied a diploma beginning in 2014.
“Yes, this is personal to me, because I have a child with an IEP. But my child is not the only Rhode Island school child affected by the current regulations,” said Representative Morrison (D-Dist. 68, Bristol, Warren). “The ‘High Stakes’ testing regime established by the Commissioner of Education creates an underclass of students, those unable to attend college because they lack a high school diploma even though there are colleges that provide these young adults with a higher education.”
The state, said Representative Morrison, has chosen to base the award of a diploma on a series of high stakes tests. If a child does not receive a “proficient” grade or if they have a federally-recognized disability and are unable to take the exams, they do not receive a diploma.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“That may be unconstitutional, denying these children a free and appropriate public education, but it is certainly unfair and totally without any understanding about the challenges and accomplishments these special students make,” said Representative Morrison. “For the state to stand in the way of these children pursuing a better education and a better life seems not only disappointing but totally without compassion.”
Representative Morrison has introduced legislation to correct what he calls “a travesty.” His bill, 2012-H 7826, provides that students who complete graduation requirements of an alternative learning program approved by a school district will be awarded a diploma upon graduation. Certificates of achievement and other types would still be awarded, but in addition not and not as a substitute for a diploma.
“All children have goals. One of those – a diploma – is currently denied from a certain class of children, even though they may actually work harder and longer than others to obtain an education,” he said.
The bill is currently before the House Committee on Health, Education and Welfare and is scheduled for a hearing on Wednesday, March 7. That hearing will be held in House Lounge and will begin at the Rise of the House (approximately 5 p.m.). Co-sponsors of the bill include Rep. Eileen Naughton (D-Dist. 21, Warwick), House Majority Leader Rep. Nicholas P. Mattiello (D-Dist. 15, Cranston), Rep. J. Patrick O’Neill (D-Dist. 59, Pawtucket) and Rep. Raymond E. Gallison Jr. (D-Dist. 69, Bristol, Portsmouth).
