Like many states, Maryland uses high school tests to assess what students have learned in core subject areas and increase the value of the state's diplomas by requiring that students pass these tests before they can graduate.  While assessments have been happening for years, last year was the first in which the graduation requirement was in effect in Maryland.  We were proud at that time to report that none of our Maryland graduates was deterred from receiving a state diploma by the testing requirement.  This success was due in part to the availability of alternative avenues to meeting the requirement, including taking a version of the test that has been modified to accommodate disabilities and/or completing a "Bridge Plan for Academic Validation", which involves successfully doing a series projects in the appropriate subject area.

It is important to note that these alternatives are in no way "easier" than passing the test.  It is simply true that some students require other means to demonstrate that they have mastered a subject area.  Modifications do not change the content or standard of required knowledge; they only make it possible for persons with different abilities to communicate what they know.  The Maryland State Department of Education states, "The Bridge Plan is a series of challenging projects linked to the Core Learning Goals tested by each HSA".  Furthermore, the completed projects must be reviewed by a panel from the local school system and each student's project must receive final approval from the superintendent.

A recnt Washington Post article dated October 6, 2010, reports that the HSAs have been criticized by some educators as not being rigorous enough and further, that more students are failing them and graduating only after completing the alternative projects.  Against the backdrop of these ongoing discussions among educators, Pathways students are succeeding at these assessments and earning their diplomas at a pace comparable to their non-disabled peers in the public schools.  Well over half of our graduates last year, more than 70 % in fact, earned their diplomas by passing the four HSAs.  Twenty-three percent completed the Bridge Plan, a number not much larger than the percentage of students in Prince George's County who did so, 16.5%.  In some public high schools the figure was more than 40%, much higher than the percent for Pathways students.

We continue to be aware that our Pathways educators and the supportive environment of our schools are making it possible for our students to overcome obstacles to learning.   Pathways students demonstrate that they are able to achieve and like their peers in public school, walk proudly across the stage on graduation day, carrying their state diploma.