This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
It seems that the Canyons School District's sometimes-controversial move to award different types of diplomas based on a student's level of work in high school is paying off.
Approved in 2009 when the district was just a newborn, the differentiated diploma program is increasing the number of students who qualify for the top-level certificate. And earning that diploma is far from easy. An ordinary diploma is a must-have in today's highly educated world. Those who earn the Canyons' highest academic graduation honor may be able to claim a head start in the global job market.
At least, that's the idea, and it has shown to be, if nothing else, a good way to encourage better college readiness among high school students.
The district awards standard, advanced and honors diplomas. A standard diploma shows the student has completed traditional graduation requirements set by the Utah State Office of Education and Canyons School District and has earned 24 credits.
An advanced diploma requires completion of 27 credits, including the state's required core credits, electives and two credits of world language. Students who earn an advanced diploma also complete more difficult lab-based science classes as well as college-prep English and Algebra II.
To earn the honors diploma, a student must meet the requirements of an advanced diploma and also earn certain "college readiness" scores on the ACT college entrance exam. The benchmark scores — an 18 on the ACT in English, 21 in reading, 22 in math and 24 in science — are what ACT researchers say are likely to result in more success in college.
The differentiated diplomas sparked some controversy when the program was adopted. Some said employers and college admissions officers wouldn't give the advanced and honors diplomas any extra attention.
The district hasn't reported on the immediate success of such things as college admission for graduates with honors diplomas. But completing the requirements for them certainly makes students better prepared and less likely to need remedial classes when they first enter college.
Sixty-two percent of Canyons' 2,210 seniors at four high schools will graduate with an honors or advanced diploma this year. That's up from 60 percent a year ago. District officials say the increase is due in part to students' learning about the benefits of more rigorous courses, and, obviously, it shows students are willing to take and complete those courses.
That's a success story that other districts should emulate.