Educators are worried a last-ditch plan to save Maryland high schoolers unable to pass graduation tests will place unfair demands upon teachers and schools while resulting in meaningless “back-door diplomas” handed out disproportionately to poor and minority students.

The so-called Bridge Plan for Academic Validation, announced earlier this year, offers “project-based learning” to thousands of students who have passed course work in algebra, English, biology and government, but have so far failed the accompanying tests required next year for a diploma.