Starting with the graduating class of 2026, Alabama high school students will have a new option for earning their degree.
The state introduced the Alabama Workforce Pathways diploma, which reduces math and science requirements in favor of career technical educational courses.
“Option B is the one that’s effective this year for this year’s graduating seniors, and it is almost the same,” said Fayette Board of Education Director of Curriculum and Technology Dr. Veronica White. “However, they only take two maths and two sciences, and those [courses] are replaced instead with taking some career tech classes.”
The new diploma track differs from the 4X4 traditional diploma, math, sciences, English and languages, and social studies. To qualify for the latest diploma track, students must complete a career tech program in tandem with two maths and sciences, which school officials said offers students a more tailored educational path.
“It could be beneficial no matter what. If you were going straight to work, this would also be a good option because sometimes you can finish the Career Tech program in high school with the credentials you need to go straight to work. You may not have to go to a junior college or a technical school after,” said Dr. White. “It is not a good option for somebody who plans to go for four years unless they’re making a stop along the way at a community college.
With the implementation of the new degree track, officials are working to finalize preparation plans, including the impact on existing career tech classes. In Fayette County, schools are already taking a proactive approach by reviewing transcripts of current students.
Questions remain about whether Option B students will take the ACT college entrance exam and how dual enrollment classes with community colleges will factor into the requirements.
“We’d love the beginning of May to settle things,” said Dr. White.
Schools expect the new diploma option to benefit the children heavily by keeping students engaged until graduation, particularly those who may struggle with advanced academic courses.
“A positive outcome would be a reduction in dropouts. We have a lot of kids who do okay their freshman year, do okay their sophomore year, then it’s time for them to take a higher math or a higher science, where it’s not something they’re interested in,” said Dr. White. “It’s not something they feel good at. And they say I don’t really want to do this. I’ll just not come to school anymore.”
School leaders emphasize that neither option is easier than the other, just different. Fayette County’s three high schools are planning informational meetings for parents in the coming weeks. They encourage families to carefully consider their student’s strengths, interests, and post-graduation plans.
“In Fayette County, we are reviewing transcripts. We are making sure we know what the requirements are. We are making sure we’re scheduling the classes so they can meet the requirements,” said Dr. White. “We’re having the conversations with the kids about which track do you think is the right track, and the conversations with the parents and say, Okay, so you’ve chosen option A, or you’ve chosen option B, and here are the classes you’re going to take to make sure that you can accomplish that option.”
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