This another in a series of articles about the REIMAGINING EDUCATION initiative at Des Moines Public Schools. Each week we’ll look at various aspects of this work, from why it is underway in the first place to how it could improve education for our students and community. This week introduces Diploma Plus, a new approach that would provide students across all grade levels a pathway to explore their interests and prepare for their future.
What if every DMPS student, from preschool through 12th grade, had a clear pathway to explore their interests and prepare for their career, college or whatever is next for them?
That is the thinking behind Diploma Plus, a program DMPS is designing for all its students to engage in their learning and explore their areas of interest. And while Diploma Plus emphasizes college and career readiness, it would not be limited to high-school seniors. The learning would start in preschool with important life skills and build throughout all the grade levels.
By the time they graduate, students would have multiple opportunities to help them prepare for the future, resulting in special Diploma Plus distinctions. These could include:
- Internships with community organizations and businesses
- Accreditations, certifications or even degrees in their chosen industries
- Rigorous, challenging courses such as dual credit and Advanced Placement
- Biliteracy (mastering more than one language)
- Military acceptance
“We believe the Diploma Plus program will inspire more students to identify and pursue their educational pathways,” said DMPS Chief Academic Officer Dr. Robert Lundin. “Diploma Plus opportunities will occur throughout the student’s preK-12 journey, with students and families selecting offerings, specializations or pathways that best align with a child’s vision of their own future.”
While implementation of Diploma Plus does not directly rely on the district’s Reimagining Education initiative, the work of the Facility Planning Committee is considering facility changes that would increase access to these learning opportunities for students across the district.
DMPS is working hard to prepare Diploma Plus to be ready to implement for ninth grade students in the 2025-2026 school year. This preparation includes identifying student needs, developing the curriculum, training educators and partnering with community businesses and organizations.
Read more about Reimagining Education at Des Moines Public Schools
