The Hawaii State Department of Education is seeking approval from the Board of Education to modify high school graduation and commencement requirements for the class of 2020. The memo submitted by the Department to the Board seeks flexibility in awarding a diploma or certificate to graduating seniors, based on approval from individual school administrations. There are approximately 10,000 students who are eligible to earn diplomas this year.
School facilities have been closed to students since March 19, with traditional, in-school instruction temporarily discontinued until at least April 30. Approval of the proposed waiver will provide educator-driven solutions to address the loss of educational content as a direct result of the COVID-19 crisis. This action will allow class of 2020 graduates to proceed with post-secondary educational and workforce opportunities without unnecessary delays.
The Department is also seeking a waiver from standardized testing, a matter also to be discussed at the next Board of Education meeting.
The Board is meeting on April 2. Members of the public may attend online or by phone.
