Students who complete all the required coursework but are unable to pass state-mandated tests or attain the state-required GPA (2.0) will no longer receive a certificate of completion. Photo courtesy of Ron Lach
PINELLAS COUNTY — Scholars, you will not graduate. Parents and grandparents, your child will not graduate, and the family will not be able to cheer them on. Why, you ask? The answer is because new state legislation (HB 1105) has eliminated the certificate of completion as a graduation option.
Students who complete all the required coursework but are unable to pass state-mandated tests or attain the state-required GPA (2.0) will no longer receive a certificate of completion instead of a standard high school diploma, and will not be allowed to wear a cap and gown and participate in graduation ceremonies. Currently, 600 students in Pinellas County are at risk. Last year, 800 scholars were at risk of not graduating, but by working with their school-based staff and other district personnel, only 51 of the 800 were unable to meet all the required standards and therefore did not graduate…