The governor said another priority is a special focus on vocational services. Currently, the unemployment rate for disabled Alaskans approaches 70 percent. Knowles committed more resources to vocational training, job coaching and other services so students coming out of school don't have to wait idly for the help they need to get a job. He pointed out that the state can use federal Medicaid dollars to cover vocational services that to this point have been paid with state general funds and reinvest the savings into more job training. Knowles also told the crowd his administration is working to recognize and honor students who work hard but don't have the skills to pass the High School Qualifying Exam, which will be required for a diploma beginning in 2002.
Current law allows only a full diploma or the lesser certificate of participation.