Non-Traditional Diploma Options

Through a partnership between the Adult Education Department of the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) and the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE), the Alabama Non-Traditional High School Diploma Option (HSDO) Program has been designed.

The HSDO Program is designed for Alabama public school students who have previously dropped out of the traditional high school setting or for students who have completed all of the required credits needed for graduation but were unsuccessful in completing one or more sections of the Alabama High School Graduation Examination.

The program provides two options: 

Option 1
For a former student who attended an Alabama high school and completed all of the required credits needed for graduation; however, the student did not pass all sections of the Alabama High School Graduation Exam (AHSGE).

Eligibility for Option 1

1. Participant must have completed the required number of credits to graduate from a high school in the Tuscaloosa City Schools. The graduation requirements established for when the participant was enrolled in high school will be those used to determine eligibility.
2. Did not receive a passing score on one or more sections of the AHSGE

Option 2 
For a former student who earned a minimum of 10 or more credits from an Alabama high school and requires additional credits needed for graduation.

Eligibility for Option 2

1. Participant must have completed a minimum of 10 credits required to graduate from a high school in the Tuscaloosa City Schools. The graduation requirements established for when the participant was enrolled in high school will be those used to determine eligibility.
2. Student must be a minimum age of 19.
3. Participant must be assessed on the Test for Adult Basic Education (TABE).
4. Score must be in the High Intermediate Level (grade equivalency 6.0 or higher).

Former students who wish to pursue the Alabama High School Diploma through the Non-Traditional High School Diploma Option Program should do the following:

1. Submit a completed Transcript Audit Request and an official Transcript to Mrs. Andrea Markham at the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education. Request your high school transcript and AHSGE scores (if applicable). 
2. Complete a Transcript Audit Request and deliver it to Mrs. Andrea Markham at the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education. Using the online Transcript Request Form, send an official transcript and Transcript Audit Request to:
   ATTN: Mrs. Andrea Markham
   Tuscaloosa City Schools
   1210 21st Avenue Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 
   
   The Transcript Audit cannot be completed until Mrs. Markham has your completed Transcript Audit Request and your Transcript.
3. A transcript audit will be performed and all records will be submitted to Mr. Phillip Johnson and Mrs. Kristen Bobo at the Office of Adult Education at Shelton State Community College.
4. Contact Mr. Phillip Johnson and/or Mrs. Kristen Bobo with the Office of Adult Education at Shelton State Community College to schedule a time to meet.  Mr. Johnson may be reached at 205-391-2665.  Mrs. Bobo may be reached at 205-391-2638.
5. The Office of Adult Education at Shelton State Community College with develop a plan of instruction.

GED

Alabama Act 2009-564 stipulates that students between the ages of 7 and 17 are required to attend public school, private school, church school, or be taught at home by a private tutor.

Based on this law, there are specific requirements for students, 16 and 17 years of age, who wish to take the GED® Test.

For a 16-year-old student to take the GED Test, state approval must be granted based on the following:

1.) Student must present a notarized Certificate of Exemption from the student’s last school system attended and a notarized Parental Permission Form. 

OR

If the student attended and dropped out of a private school, church school, or private tutor program, the student must present a notarized letter from his/her parent or legal guardian naming the school, providing the drop-out date, and stating the student has dropped out of school, and has permission to be administered the GED® Test. (Parental Permission Form)

2.) Student must have TABE test scores (in all three sub-skill tests) at a minimum of ASE Low, with a grade equivalent of 9.0 or higher

OR

Student must have official GED Ready test scores in Math and RLA of "Likely to Pass." 

For a 17-year-old student to take the GED Test, state approval must be granted based on the following:

For individuals attending Public School: 
1.) Student must have participated in an exit interview with their high school administration and provide a signed Exit Interview Form.
2.) Student must provide a notarized and signed letter from his/her parent or legal guardian, naming the school, providing the drop-out date, and providing parental permission for the student to be administered the GED® Test. (Parental Permission Form)

For individuals attending Private School, Church School, or Private Tutoring Program: 
Student must present a notarized letter from his/her parent or legal guardian naming the school, providing the drop-out date, and stating the student has dropped out of school, and has permission to be administered the GED® Test. (Parental Permission Form)

*If a 17 year-old, Option 2 HSO student chooses the GED® Test option, the above does apply.
** Court mandated individuals, ages 16 or 17, must provide official documentation to test.

For more information, contact the Office of Adult Education at Shelton State Community College: (205) 391-2662.