By Dave Thompson
Bismarck, ND – The Governor's Commission on Education Improvement is recommending a major change in high school diplomas.
The change reflects new rigor in curriculum. Students could still get a general high school diploma, but others who take more rigorous courses could qualify for "merit" diplomas.
"Those who are academically gifted can take the technical honors certificate or the academic honors certificate, and they can soar with as much math, science or foreign languages they can get," said Jon Martinson, the executive director of the North Dakota School Boards Association, and a Commission member. "Those who are not so interested in that have other options."
Martinson says other states have done something like this. But he believes it will be controversial -- because it's a major change.