Alternative Ways to Get a High School Diploma
Not all students can finish traditional high school. Family or personal concerns can get in the way, or a student might be forced to leave due to behavioral or other problems. However, a high school diploma can make getting a job easier. Colleges also require them for entrance. Fortunately, students who want to earn a diploma without finishing high school have several options.
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Alternative Schools
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If a student risks not graduating from traditional high school because of academic or behavioral issues, he may qualify to attend a so-called alternative school. These schools are run either by the county, a private company or a public school district. Schedules and specifics vary by school and by state. It can have a different schedule than traditional high school, require a different number of hours or offer courses in varying formats. Some schools allow students work at their own pace through online courses available at the facility while others feature small class sizes and teachers trained to handle at-risk students.
Online Schools
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This options allows a student to take online classes from the comfort of his own home. Students might have access to an array of courses that not every high school can offer. For example, Japanese or Italian could be offered. Most states have standards that online schools must meet for accreditation, according to the National Education Association. Students considering this option should make sure the online school they choose makes teachers readily available for answering questions. They also should assess whether they sufficient time-management skills to finish school independently.
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GED Classes
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Students can choose to earn a GED, which stands for General Equivalency Diploma. Most employers who require a high school diploma also will accept a GED. To earn this certificate students must pass a seven-hour, five-section test that assess their knowledge in reading, writing, math, social studies and science. Municipalities and local schools or colleges often offer GED preparation classes, however taking the classes isn't mandatory for taking the test. All 50 states offer GED certificates.
External Diploma
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Through the National External Diploma Program adults receive credit for real-life experiences toward a high school diploma. Program officials evaluate candidates' skill levels in subjects such as reading and math during a so-called initial diagnostic phase. They also ask about life experiences. After the evaluation, officials formally test the candidate by assigning real-life tasks such as calculating interest or writing a letter to Congress. The diploma is equivalent to one from a traditional high school. As of 2011, this program is available in the District of Columbia and eight states: California, Connecticut, Maryland, New York, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.
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References
- University of Minnesota: The College of Education and Human Development: Institute on Community Integration: Alternative Schools
- National Education Association: Guide to Online High School Courses
- American Council on Education: GED Testing: Frequently Asked Questions
- National External Diploma Program: Students
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