But a spokesman for the Texas Education Agency noted that a judge ruling against a group of students who sued that state after being denied diplomas concluded there was no proof that the new tests had led to more dropouts. Whatever the statistics, supporters of the tests in Texas and other states argue that marginal students were no better off under a system that allowed them to graduate without demonstrating basic skills. They were shoved along by teachers eager to pass them on to the next grade, leaving them unprepared for college. But dropping out of school is a far worse outcome for such youths, say critics of the graduation tests. They argue that a high school diploma, even one based on low standards, opens more doors than the General Educational Development certificate pursued by high school dropouts.
Some educators believe the answer is to create an easier track for the less ambitious students.
Delaware, which will start imposing graduation tests in 2004, has set up such a system. But such efforts to steer weaker students away from a demanding curriculum, common in many European countries, can run afoul of Americans' sense of equity. Instead of passing the state's Standards of Learning exams, they would be allowed to take an easier assessment test and a curriculum focused on English, math and vocational courses. But last week, the board voted to drop that idea. Mark Edwards, school superintendent in Virginia's Henrico County, said he has visited German schools that have a vocational track and thinks it forces students into life choices too early.