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By DAPHNE McCULLOUGH
THE possibility of issuing ‘‘alternative diplomas” sparked a wide-ranging discussion at die March 11 Rappahannock School Board meeting. Board member Walter Masterson asked that the item be included on the agenda after an informal check revealed to him that a diploma from Rappahannock High School carries very little weight with Culpeper businesses.
Masterson wanted to knQW if it is possible to award different types of diplomas—a diploma upon completion of an academic program and a diploma upon completion of a trade program. To do this, School Superintendent O.A. Norton explained, would require a differentiated program with separate levels. Rappahannock would have to institute vocational, business and scholastic classes, a difficulty in a system of Rappahannock’s size.
“For tiie size of this system, I think we have a remarkably good system,” said Board Chairman E.N. Montague, adding thatRappahannock couldn’t be fairly compared with schools graduating 500 students. According to recent figures, 60% of the students who enter the county high school complete graduation requirements, which is above the national median, and 20% go on to college.
Norton went on to explain that housing presents a major stumbling block to a differentiated graduation program. More classroom space, offering greater flexibility in movement, would be needed, in order to hold classes on different . levels. “But I like the idea—very f$ch,” Norton added. ' “We do need to expand what we’re offering...this is not a case of watering down a diploma,” commented Board member Beverly Massie. “We need to do more in guidance and planning of schedules.”
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