The logic in that statement seems obvious. But a law passed this year took away from school districts the authority to accept or reject credits earned outside public schools. As a result, any accredited private program can grant public-school credit without providing any proof that a student has met district curriculum standards.
The law, sponsored by Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordon, appears to be aimed at undermining the public system. It does not allow districts to set any standards for attendance or work completed in a private program. Skipping class is OK. No tests are required to show whether they learned the material.
After the law was passed, we warned in this space that it could lead to shoddy work and slack attendance, and now it seems that is precisely what has happened. Too many students who don't want to attend classes are opting instead to pay for credits issued by private programs offered by for-profit enterprises. They are sometimes able to complete all the requirements for a semester of credit in only days.
For example, nearly 300 half-year credits were completed by West High School students through one for-profit program during the 2005-'06 school year. That private school has been criticized by the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools for its lack of validating achievement in course work. Its accreditation will be reviewed next month.
There are legitimate reasons a particular student may not be able to attend class. Illness, learning disabilities or family problems could make attending regular school unwise or impossible. All districts provide after-school, summer school or alternative school courses to let students make up credits. Still, it's possible those alternatives won't work in some cases.
School districts should be allowed to accept private-school credits in those situations, but only after students demonstrate they have met district academic standards.
The current law that arbitrarily removes all district oversight is too easily abused and is unfair to those who attend classes and complete the work. It should be changed.
