Lesser diplomas likely for 3,300
That number includes an estimated 15% of Provo District seniors
That's according to numbers on Utah State Office of Education reports issued Tuesday on how the Class of 2006 fared on the Utah Basic Skills Competency Test.
Among those seniors who have taken the exam, 90 percent have passed math, 98 percent have passed reading and 94 percent have passed writing after the fifth test attempt, the State Office of Education reports.
Those not passing — 3,287 of test-takers overall, and as high as 3,700 based on enrollment figures — could receive an alternative completion diploma of sorts. That likely will be a notation on their diplomas saying they didn't pass the skills test but a diploma nonetheless. Or, if they didn't pass and took the test fewer than three times, they could receive a certificate of completion. That is, if they complete all of the other class credit requirements.
Several schools were handing students test results late last week and this week, district officials reported.
West High senior Stephanie Aguirre ran screaming up the stairs to hug her teacher after finding out she had finally passed the UBSCT math test after three attempts, two heartbreaking failures and a lot of hard work.
Her reaction went right along with senior Jeremy Coleman's grin. He had also just learned he had passed the UBSCT after five attempts.
"I am really happy now because now I just blend in with the rest of the students that passed," Coleman said. "It was kind of crushing to find out you didn't pass when it seemed like everyone else did. It put a lot of stress on us."
Both students took West High's remediation courses and after-school tutoring.
But not all students made it that far.
West High senior Laura Enriquez, who passed the UBSCT on her first attempt, said her friend dropped out of high school after failing it.
"She just thought she couldn't pass it," Enriquez said. "I offered to help her but she just said, 'No, I'm stupid. It's a really hard test, I'm not going to pass.' "
The skills test includes reading, math and language arts tests. Students must pass all three sections to receive a regular high school diploma. Those attempting the exam three times are eligible for a different kind of diploma, called an "alternative completion diploma" until state leaders feared that terminology would block students from getting Pell grants in college. Now, the state is telling districts to state on diplomas whether or not the student passed the skills test.
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