The colleges that work with us love us because they get more competent students. They are very interested in Diploma Plus. The Diploma Plus program was created through the recognition that in spite of a strong GED and alternative education program in Massachusetts, many young people were not successfully entering into postsecondary education or into careers with advancement potential. An emphasis on contextual learning and portfolio development. Students must apply their knowledge and skills to real-world projects and other learning activities.
Students also create and present a portfolio of their best work across subjects areas.
In the Plus Phase, students must successfully complete several major projects, a structured internship, and one or more credit-level college course in order to earn their high school diploma. Jody Price , lead teacher at Champion Charter School , described the Diploma Plus program and how it operates in her school. The school is located in a renovated bank building in a small, diverse urban community. At this level, focus is on initial mastery of academic and foundation skills. Students experience classroom work that integrates standards-based academics and life skills preparation.