Diploma Plus (DP) is a nationally recognized education model that provides a rigorous, relevant, and student-centered alternative for youth who have been underserved by the traditional education system. DP is an alternative in the best sense of the word; its role is to transform our students’ learning experiences so they will achieve success in high school, college, and careers. DP Schools are primarily located in urban areas and serve students who are over-aged and under-credited, re-entering high school, or at risk of dropping out.

DP schools incorporate:

• a supportive school culture;
• a performance- and competency-based approach to teaching, learning, assessment, and promotion;
• a future focus on college, careers, and citizenship; and
• effective supports for the implementation of the DP model along with the delivery of high quality education.

Students in a DP school progress through three levels, or phases – Foundation, Presentation, and Plus – based on attainment and demonstration of competencies. DP schools benefit from network and cross-school professional development, school coaching, and tools and materials to support implementation.

“Diploma Plus continues to develop in so many ways,” says Dr. Bill Diehl, former DP Executive Director. “We have seen consistent growth in numbers of schools, educators, students, and partners; in the depth and impact of the model; in improved student outcomes; and in sharing effective practices with the broader field of secondary education. AHSI has been an invaluable contributor to this growth. The learning and collaboration made possible by AHSI has deepened and enriched our work.”

Recent Successes:

• Named in the November 2010, When Success is the Only Option: Designing Competency-Based Pathways for Next Generation Learning, publication by the International Association for K-12 Online Learning
• DP was featured recently in the American Youth Policy Forum’s publication, Success at Every Step: How 23 Programs Support Youth on the Path to College and Beyond
• Featured as a New Effective School Option in the National Governor’s Association, “Achieving Graduation for All: A Governor’s Guide to Dropout Prevention and Recovery”
• National Dropout Prevention Center/Network selected DP as a “model” program.
• In his pre-election Plan for Lifelong Success through Education, President Obama included Diploma Plus as one of two “Evidence-Based Models to Help Students Graduate.”

Contact Information

Akili Moses Israel, Executive Director
amosesisrael@diplomaplus.net
617.443.0050