In Duval County, high school seniors are allowed to walk across the stage at graduation even if they haven't earned a diploma. In 2014, that was just over 6 percent of the county's seniors.
Duval schools Superintendent Nikolai Vitti wants to put a stop to the unearned ceremony participation.
Duval County students who earn the required credit hours but fail state assessments can earn something called a Certificate of Completion, and they’re allowed to walk at graduation.
But Superintendent Nikolai Vitti says they won’t be able to do much else because they’re considered non-graduates.
“They are not able to qualify for financial aid,” Vitti said. “They also have difficulty entering the military.”
And even if they enroll in community college, they won't get a college diploma unless they take the SAT or ACT and receive a passing score.
Vitti says these students shouldn't be allowed to walk at graduation, to send a clear message the district expects them to earn their diploma.
Vitti said, “I don’t want to continue to be part of a process that continues to give children a false sense of accomplishment and opportunity moving forward.”
Vitti says he’s confident Duval seniors have enough support to graduate, but he didn’t feel that way just two years ago.
“I don’t think our systems were expansive enough, mature enough, and sophisticated enough to make sure that children weren’t falling through the cracks,” he said.
But now he says students are given graduation coaches and FCAT classes, and students who are behind are monitored.
Vitti says the School Board will vote on the matter in October to go into effect for this year’s seniors. Students who have disabilities or an Individual Education Plan will still be able to earn a diploma and graduate.
