Last year, the state Legislature approved the "Move One When Ready" initiative to encourage students to graduate high school. Select Arizona schools have adopted this new diploma program, which allows students to graduate early as long as they meet the core requirements. 14 Arizona schools have implemented this program in hopes fewer students drop out with the motivation to graduate two years early.
The “Move On When Ready" approach allows students to take part in a more intense curriculum. After two years, the students can take exams to prove they have learned the core requirements needed to graduate. Upon passing the exams, students are then granted a Grand Canyon Diploma, and they are then free to move onto a community college. It's hoped, this program will encourage students to stay in school instead of dropping out and to better prepare students for college.
The Grand Canyon Diploma (GCD) is an official diploma any student can acquire as long as they demonstrate college level readiness for English and math. The State Board of Education sets the strict requirements the students must master, which include history, arts, science, math, economics and English.
The 2012-2013 school year is the first time this program will be available to students at the 14 Arizona schools, including certain Charter schools. Students can't graduate prior to the end of the 10th grade; however, they are able to receive the GCD at the end of the 11th and 12th grade years as well, granted they have completed the requirements.
To learn more about the "Move On When Ready" initiative, visit AZleg.gov
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