Earning a high school diploma just got easier for Running Start students

Governor signs Rep. Quall’s legislation to provide new option for students enrolled in community and technical college degree programs

May 18, 2009

Olympia – Today, Governor Gregoire signed legislation that provides new options for earning a high school diploma for students enrolled in career and technical education programs.

Rep. Dave Quall (D-Mount Vernon) sponsored HB 1758 to provide an alternate pathway to high school graduation by allowing students who earn an Associate’s Degree at a community or technical college to also receive a high school diploma. The option applies to high school students enrolled in Running Start or students over the age of 21.

“The one-size-fits-all approach to earning a high school diploma simply doesn’t work for every student,” says Quall, a former high school counselor and Chair of the House Education Committee. “More pathways to graduation means fewer dropouts. This legislation provides one more option for students to get the education they need to find a good job and be successful after high school.”

Running Start is a popular dual-enrollment program that allows high school students to attend community or technical college tuition-free and apply the credits towards both high school and college graduation requirements. But even if a high school student completes the coursework necessary for an Associate’s Degree, they sometimes have additional requirements for their diploma. Quall says the legislation will reduce the amount of redundant or unnecessary coursework for Running Start students, includes students enrolled at technical colleges to encourage more students to consider technical degrees, and provides a viable option for older students who dropped out of high school but still want to earn their diploma.

“If a student is successfully able to complete their two-year degree, there’s little doubt they’re qualified for a diploma as well,” says Quall. “This bill will help thousands of capable high school students – and older students wanting to go back to school after dropping out – to get the education and credentials that tell employers they’re ready and prepared to work.”

HB 1758 passed both the House and Senate unanimously.