While many states have taken steps to strengthen academic standards, eight states with high school graduation requirements similar to those recently adopted in Florida also allow students the option of earning a diploma with less rigorous requirements. In general, these less rigorous options give students who cannot meet the state's higher graduation standards the opportunity to earn a high school diploma rather than drop out of school. However, some states raised concerns that such a policy has the potential to undermine their efforts to raise student achievement.
In addition, 10 states offer diploma options designed to prepare high school students for the workforce. These diplomas enable students to choose among various academic pathways depending on their post-high school goals-entry into the workforce or postsecondary education. However, the workforce-ready diplomas currently used by these states can limit students' postsecondary education choices and might not fully prepare students for the current job market.

Colleges Perform Slightly Better Than School Districts in Career Education; Neither Clearly Outperforms in Adult Education
Report 10-63 December 2010
School Districts and Colleges Share Responsibility for Workforce Education; Duplication Is Minimal
Report 10-61 December 2010
Many Florida Programs Enhance Students' Career and College Readiness
Report 10-56 November 2010
Profile of Changes to Florida's Public Career Education Program Offerings
Report 10-35 April 2010

Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.