English-language learners allowed to walk in graduation ceremony

Seattle Schools Superintendent Maria Goodloe-Johnson has recommended that students in English-language programs be allowed to participate in graduation ceremonies even if they haven't yet passed reading and writing on the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL).

That recommendation, made after lengthy discussions, is one example of how some school districts are changing graduation policies this year.

Under a new state law, many special-education students are allowed to participate in graduation ceremonies with their peers even if they're not yet earning a diploma, said Shannon McMinimee, a Seattle school-district attorney. Goodloe-Johnson, she said, decided it would be equitable to do the same for some students learning English.

The recommendation takes into account research that says students need five to seven years to become proficient in academic English, and students in English-language programs usually haven't been in the United States for more than three years, she said.

To be eligible, students must be enrolled in English-language classes this year, and have met all other graduation requirements. They also must have enough credits to graduate, have completed a senior project and passed the math WASL or a full year of math. They also must be signed up for a summer program or made another commitment to keep working to meet the reading and writing requirements.

They won't receive a diploma until they pass the WASL or complete another approved alternative.

Other school districts, including many in Eastern Washington with a large number of English-language learners, are considering doing something similar, McMinimee said.

Linda Shaw: 206-464-2359 or lshaw@seattletimes.com