Many doubts about an alternative certificate, but much empathy for students who have truly tried. We cannot believe that all students will pass the WASL 10, even though they may later be successful adults. An escape hatch is necessary, but not in a way that invalidates the goals of reform. Colleges won't accept an alternate certificate for admission purposes. The state requirement needs to be final and necessary.
Retention needs to happen in the lower grades.
Career pathway certificates, world of work. Base on a career pathway. You can't give different diplomas. Teachers are being branded as poor because their ESL students are not passing the WASL because it is in English. After grade ten, track students to four-year, technical school, help them get an apprenticeship.