School may raise honors diploma bar

The Sisters School Board indicated at its Monday, May 9, meeting that it will adopt new requirements for a high school honors diploma.

The move awaits only a decision by the school administration on when the change should be implemented.

An honors diploma today is awarded to any student who meets normal graduation requirements and achieves at least a 3.5 grade point average.

The expanded criteria will include: four years of math and three years of science, or the reverse (a standard Sisters diploma requires three and two); two years of the same foreign language; acquisition of a state Certificate of Initial Mastery (CIM); two credits in clustered electives; the equivalent of half a credit in community service or leadership; and 28 total credits (vs. 26 for a standard Sisters diploma and 22 to meet state graduation requirements).

Three “capstone” classes will also be necessary: a choice of chemistry, physics or advanced biology; math 111/112; and Advanced Placement English.

High School Principal Bob Macauley said the change is intended to “reward high academic achievement” and to act as an incentive for good students.

The proposal came to the board after having been reviewed and approved by the school site council and the district curriculum committee as well as high school administrators.

The board also heard proposals for improving the district’s Talented and Gifted student (TAG) program.