Pennsylvania's rising graduation rate has been touted as a success story, but some educators are sounding the alarm about the unconventional credentials being awarded to students. High school diplomas are now being accompanied by a range of dubious certifications, including ladder safety and basic first aid, in a bid to boost graduation numbers. Critics argue that these credentials are being handed out with little to no substance, and are instead serving as a way for schools to artificially inflate their graduation rates. As the state's education officials continue to push for higher graduation rates, some are questioning the value of these credentials and the motivations behind them.
Some educators say schools are incentivized to push students to earn these credentials by officials who want to see graduation rates continue to rise. The post How dubious high school credentials like ladder safety are boosting Pennsylvania’s graduation rate appeared first on District Administration.
