New high school diploma option and 'dual enrollment on steroids' coming soon
May 28—In the upcoming school year students will have a new high school diploma option called the Workforce Pathways Diploma, and the following fall they will have access to full-time dual enrollment in a college of their choice.
The Workforce Pathways Diploma was created in legislation passed last year by state lawmakers. It is a high school diploma like any other, but it is a career-focused path rather than the traditional track. It allows students to swap upper-level math and science for hands-on courses in such topics as automotive repair, health sciences and welding.
"It is a different path, not an easier one," said Anita Clarke, supervisor of secondary curriculum and instruction for Decatur City Schools.
In the fall, under Alabama's new system, student will choose from two diploma options, A or B. Option A — the traditional four-by-four curriculum — calls for four credits each in English, social studies, science and math. Option B calls for four credits in both English and social studies, two credits in both math and science, plus three credits in in a career technical education sequence.
"A student may choose to pursue the Option B pathway at any time, including his or her senior year. However, it is recommended the student's decision be made at the end of a grading period," Clarke said.
In the fall, high school counselors will be responsible for discussing the pathways with students and their parents before a diploma option is approved, Clarke said. The student and parent must also sign a form selecting a four-year plan, verifying their consent and approval of the diploma option chosen for the student.
They are allowed to change their mind and their coursework, but they must fill out a form to do so, Clarke said.
The Alabama High School Athletic Association has given its assurance that those who follow Plan B will be eligible for all athletics, Clarke said. However, she said additional math and science courses will be required for NCAA eligibility.
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Dual enrollment
In addition to the workforce development diploma option, Alabama is embarking on another educational change for high school students. Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, has gotten his Move On When Ready Act passed into law.
Under existing law, a high school student may dual enroll in college courses in certain circumstances. The Move on When Ready Act will allow eligible 11th and 12th grade students admitted unconditionally to an eligible public institution of higher education to take a full schedule of courses at that institution and receive high school credit for the postsecondary coursework, according to the act.
"Dual enrollment is usually one or two classes," Orr said. "This is dual enrollment on steroids. It's for students who are ready to leave high school behind. You leave behind high school band, football, everything and go to college full time. But the credits you accrue can report back and fill high school diploma credits," Orr said.
The state will pay students' college tuition, although it will not cover room and board.
Orr said Georgia has a similar program and he thought it would be beneficial for some students here.
"Some kids are ready to move on, and this rewards them financially if they are ready," Orr said.
The bill became law during the recent legislative session, but won't take effect until August 2026. Orr said state education officials still have to adopt some rules for the program.
— jean.cole@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2361
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