For many students, graduating high school is a given. After all, the process is often spelled out for them and most have a support system to help along the way. In the eyes of these students, the academic standards required by many high schools in order to receive a diploma are not a roadblock, but rather just another step in the process. There is also a large portion of students that struggle immensely with these standards and requirements who deserve consideration.

 The validity and importance of standardized testing has often been brought into question over the last several years. It is important to ensure that teachers are effectively educating students. However, these tests can put undue stress on students and teachers alike. It is also not a given that these assessments are accurately measuring a student’s ability and knowledge. This is not to mention the sizable budget that is required to administer these tests.

 The presence of a physical or learning disability could easily prevent a student from being able to reach specific math and reading standards before they are slated to graduate. This is especially true in cases where students are not receiving the proper accommodations for these disabilities. Students with health issues that cause them to miss many days of school may not be able to show proficiency in all areas of math. A student with a learning disability like dyslexia may not be able to reach the same reading or writing standards as their peers in the same amount of time.

 Even if a student is not dealing with any sort of disability, they may have been raised in an environment that does not value education. Many may be the only ones in their families that have worked toward a high school diploma. On top of that, some experience emotional or financial stress at home that prevents them from being able to put enough time and effort into their education to be successful. Students who are already skeptical about their need for a high school diploma will only be discouraged by the presence of these academic standards.

 The driving force behind this discussion is the necessity of a high school degree. Most entry-level jobs, trade careers and education programs require a high school diploma. It is incredibly difficult to start a career in any field without the possession of one. Suppose a student wants to pursue higher education years after they dropped out of high school or have discovered a career that requires a diploma; they will have to go through the process of acquiring a GED certificate.  

 A GED is a General Education Development test that assesses much the same topics and areas of study as the standardized tests that are used for high school juniors and seniors. You may see the problem already: a student who struggled in these areas while trying to get a diploma is likely to struggle just as much, if not more, when trying to acquire a GED certificate independently. Students experiencing emotional or financial stress at home or who have physical or learning disabilities that impede their education are going to have an even harder time trying to get their GED certificate. Students who drop out of high school that decide later in life to pursue higher education will have to go through the GED process, possibly years after being taught those subjects in school. Additionally, New York is one of the only states in which the GED is free to take, meaning there is a financial barrier in many places as well. 

 Facing challenges during your education is important for personal and academic growth. It must be considered, though, that a high school diploma is not just a piece of paper that symbolizes personal achievement. It is a key that unlocks a majority of academic and career opportunities. It may even be the thing standing between a student and the ability to afford food or a place to live. Young people should not be held back from achieving the things that they want and need just because they did not meet specific math or literacy benchmarks. The situation you are in and the choices you make at 17 years old should not determine the rest of your life. A high school diploma is the possibility of growth and change and should not be kept from students who could be already facing a slew of personal, academic and social problems.

PENCILS DOWN is a column written by first-year film, photography and visual art major Gabe Hendershot that discusses education. Contact him at ghendershot@ithaca.edu.