Instruction BP 6146.1(a)
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
The Governing Board desires to prepare each student to obtain a diploma of high school graduation in order to provide students with opportunities for postsecondary education and/or employment.
(cf. 0420.3 - School-Based Student Motivation and Maintenance Program)
(cf. 5123 - Promotion/Acceleration/Retention)
(cf. 5127 - Graduation Ceremonies and Activities)
(cf. 5147 - Dropout Prevention)
(cf. 5149 - At-Risk Students)
(cf. 6164.2 - Guidance/Counseling Services)
Course Requirements
To obtain a diploma of graduation from high school, students shall complete at least the following courses in grades 9-12, with each course being one year unless otherwise specified: (Education Code 51225.3)
1. Four courses in English (40 credits).
(cf. 6142.91 - Reading/Language Arts Instruction)
2. Three courses in mathematics (30 credits).
Beginning in the 2003-04 school year, at least one mathematics course, or a combination of the three mathematics courses required for completion in grades 9-12, shall meet or exceed state academic content standards for Algebra I. Completion of algebra coursework in grades 7-8 shall not exempt a student from the requirements to complete three mathematics courses in grades 9-12. (Education Code 51224.5)
(cf. 6011 - Academic Standards)
(cf. 6142.92 - Mathematics Instruction)
3. Two courses in science, including biological and physical sciences (20 credits).
(cf. 6142.93 - Science Instruction)
4. Three courses in social studies, including United States history and geography, world history, culture and geography; a one-semester course in American government and civics; and a one-semester course in economics (30 credits).
5. One course in visual or performing arts, foreign language or American Sign Language (10 credits).
Instruction BP 6146.1(b)
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
(cf. 6142.6 - Visual and Performing Arts Education)
6. Two courses in physical education, unless the student has been exempted pursuant to Education Code 51241 (20 credits), and;
(cf. 6142.7 - Physical Education)
7. One course in health (10 credits).
Credit Requirement
The total minimum credits required to obtain a diploma is 230 credits.
Senior Project
The Senior Project is a requirement for seniors beginning with the graduating class of 2002. The four components of the Senior Project are:
1. A research paper prepared by the student
2. A project developed and executed by the student
3. A presentation made by the student about the project
4. A portfolio kept by the student.
The project will be delivered through a board-approved delivery system which may include an on-line option, Senior Composition, and other core support classes. The project will also include other appropriate senior activities such as completion of the Board-approved career competencies, college application assistance, scholarship assistance and other career pathway topics.
(cf. 5118 - Transfers)
(cf. 5125 - Student Records)
(cf. 6011 - Academic Standards)
(cf. 6143 - Courses of Study)
(cf. 6146.3 - Reciprocity of Academic Credit)
Because the prescribed course of study may not accommodate the needs of some students, the Board shall provide alternative means for the completion of prescribed courses in accordance with law.
Instruction BP 6146.1(c)
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
(cf. 6146.11 - Alternative Credits Toward Graduation)
(cf. 6146.2 - Certificate of Proficiency/High School Equivalency)
Standards of Proficiency for Classes Prior to 2006
To receive a high school diploma, district students prior to the class of 2006 also must achieve at least minimum proficiency in reading comprehension, and mathematics. The Board shall adopt proficiency standards in these areas and any others it deems appropriate. All adopted proficiency standards shall correspond with the goals of the course of study required for graduation.
(cf. 6011 – Academic Standards)
Students shall be assessed in the approved proficiency standards annually in grades ten and eleven. Students who have not passed all areas of the proficiency tests by the twelfth grade shall be reassessed with a different test as frequently as deemed appropriate.
Any student who does not receive a diploma because of failure to meet proficiency requirements shall later be awarded a diploma by the district, without taking additional coursework, if the student subsequently passes the district proficiency tests.
Remedial instruction shall be provided to any student who does not show adequate progress toward mastery of basic skills. This instruction may be provided through Supplemental Instruction and shall offer the student numerous opportunities to achieve mastery.
(cf. 6177- Summer School)
Exit Exam for the Classes of 2006 and Later
Beginning in the 2005-06 school year, each student completing grade 12 shall have successfully passed the state exit examination in language arts and mathematics as a condition of high school graduation. (Education Code 60851, 60859)
(cf. 6146.4 - Differential Graduation and Competency Standards for Students with Disabilities)
(cf. 6159 - Individualized Education Program)
(cf. 6162.52 - High School Exit Examination)
Supplemental instruction shall be offered to any student who does not demonstrate "sufficient progress," as defined in Board policy, toward passing the exit examination. (Education Code 37252, 60851)
(cf. 6176 - Weekend/Saturday Classes)
(cf. 6177 - Summer School)
(cf. 6179 - Supplemental Instruction)
Instruction BP 6146.1(d)
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
The governing board does not intend that these requirements should cause undue hardship on transfer students who are unable to comply with the requirements because of insufficient time. The principal may waive limited aspects of local graduation requirements (e.g. a full year of healthful living) which were not required by the student’s previous school, if the curriculum of the previous school substantially satisfied requirements of a California public high school. The Exit Exam requirement cannot be waived.
Legal Reference:
EDUCATION CODE
37252 Supplemental instructional programs
48430 Continuation education schools and classes
48980 Notification of parent/guardian
51224 Skills and knowledge required for adult life
51224.5 Algebra instruction
51225.3 Requirements for graduation
51225.5 Honorary diplomas; foreign exchange students
51228 Graduation requirements
51230 American government and civics
51241-51246 Exemptions from requirements
51410-51412 Diplomas
51420-51427 High school equivalency certificates
51450-51455 Golden State Seal Merit Diploma
60850-60859 High school exit exam
66204 Certification of high school courses as meeting university admissions criteria
CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 5
Management Resources:
WEB SITES
CDE: http://www.cde.ca.gov
CSBA: http://www.csba.org
Policy adopted: November 13, 1990 Lancaster, California
Policy revised: May 2, 2001; May 15, 2002; February 4, 2004