Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, August 28, 1993 TAG: 9308280042
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV6 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: New River Valley bureau
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Short
The proposed program would award an "external diploma" to adults over 25 who lack a high school diploma or a GED certificate.
To qualify, participants would demonstrate competence in various skills, such as writing and mathematics, gained through life experience.
Pulaski Superintendent William Asbury asked Radford to join other regional school systems in setting up the external diploma program, estimated to cost city schools $5,000 in start-up costs.
The American Council on Education sponsors both the external diploma and the GED programs.
However, Radford Superintendent Michael Wright recommended that city schools not join the program.
He said city schools' GED program was "broadly offered" and "readily accessible" for those seeking adult degrees.
Wright also said the competences required by the external diploma were admirable but not equivalent to a Radford High School diploma.
School Board members, who had expressed doubts about the program when it was proposed earlier this month, agreed with Wright.
Vice-chairman Chip Craig said the external diploma basically would duplicate city schools' GED program and expressed his opposition.
A motion by board member Carter Effler not to participate in the program passed unanimously.
by CNB