HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
The Board of Education believes that the completion of an organized and sequential course of study is the foundation, which prepares students for post-secondary education and/or employment. In grades 9-12, 220 credits are required for graduation. Students who successfully complete a year-long course will receive 10 units of credit (5 units of credit for each semester) provided attendance requirements are met. In addition to the required core and pathway courses, students will complete other elective courses to reach the required 220 credits.
Starting with the class of 2012 and for all classes thereafter:
(students entering 9th grade in fall 2008)
- Class standing will require:
Sophomore - 40 units and successful completion of both English and Pre-Algebra
Junior - 100 units
Senior - 155 units
- Students who do not earn a minimum of 40 units in the 9th grade remain freshmen and repeat failed courses
- Students who do not earn a minimum of 100 units by the end of the second year in high school will be referred to a District Placement Committee for possible placement in an alternative educational setting or in a specially designed program to meet individual needs
- Promotion decisions will be made at the end of the school year and at the end of summer school, in order to allow students the chance to make up failed courses in summer school, if possible
All students must pass the California High School Exit Exam to receive a diploma. Details of the district's graduation requirements are found in Board Policy 5126 or information may be obtained from a high school counselor.
CORE CURRICULUM REQUIREMENT
Completion of the following courses will total 155 (or 165 if specialized course is required) units of credit towards graduation. All students shall demonstrate proficiency in meeting state-adopted standards in the following courses:
- 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade English
- - Two courses in mathematics, including first-year Algebra or equivalent
- - United States History and World History
- - Semester-long courses in American Government and Economics
- - One visual or performing arts course, or a career or vocational course requiring creative self-expression.
- - One world language course*
- - Biology and earth/physical science course, at least one of which is a laboratory science course
- - Two year long courses in Physical Education and/or Dance*
- - Semester-long course in Health/Life Skills*
- A high school may develop a required specialized course which a student must successfully pass in order to graduate
*These core courses have qualified exemptions; please refer to Board Policy 5126 and accompanying Administrative Regulations for specific details on the exemption requirements.
PATHWAY REQUIREMENT
A pathway is a set of related courses serving an explicit educational goal to be reached upon graduation. All students seeking a diploma from a comprehensive high school shall complete the requirements in the University Pathway, or Career Pathway, or Specialized Program, or Individual Pathway.
UNIVERSITY PATHWAY
All students completing requirements in the University Pathway shall demonstrate proficiency in meeting State-adopted standards. All coursework for A through G requirements must be approved through the University of California and must be completed with a grade of ‘C’ or better (AR 5126 (i)).
- - Algebra 3/4 or equivalent courses determined by the Superintendent as meeting the University of California requirement for a third year of mathematics
- A second laboratory science course such as chemistry, physics or AP biology
- - A second world language course in the same language in which an introductory course has been completed
- Any other course needed to meet minimum a-g entrance requirements for the UC/CSU system that is not used to meet core graduation requirements
- Take the SAT reasoning and subject test, or the ACT college entrance exams as 11th graders, the PSAT/NMSQT (preliminary SAT), or take the English and math placement tests for California community colleges
CAREER PATHWAY
All students completing requirements in the Career Pathway shall demonstrate proficiency in meeting State-adopted standards. Courses meeting these requirements shall be developed by the Superintendent and adopted by the Board. Pathway requirements include:
- - An integrated set of three year-long career/technical courses, which prepare students for entry-level employment in a specific industry sector and advanced education/training after graduation for a career in a specific industry sector; or
- - An integrated set of three year-long visual arts, performing arts, or communication courses in a specific artistic discipline, and
- Take an industry certification exam (or equivalent) associated with their specific career pathway or complete a portfolio which demonstrates achievement within a specific artistic discipline
SPECIALIZED PROGRAM
Specialized programs have been developed to meet specialized academic or career needs of groups of students at individual high schools. These programs equal or exceed the academic rigor of the Career or University Pathways and meet all program requirements set by state law. Four high schools have specialized programs in place: the University Center at Elsie Allen High School, the International Baccalaureate Program at Montgomery High School, the Early College Magnet Program at Piner High School, and Santa Rosa High School's ArtQuest. Each program has its own set of course requirements, please consult with the program coordinator or a counselor at the associated high school.
INDIVIDUAL PATHWAY
Subject to the written approval of the school principal or administrator-designee, students may meet the requirements of an Individual Pathway which shall be a coherent grouping of courses designed to allow the student to meet specific educational objectives. An Individual Pathway consists of five year-long courses selected from those required as part of the Career Pathway, University Pathway, or Specialized Program. All students completing requirements in the Individual Pathway shall demonstrate proficiency in meeting State-adopted standards for their coursework.
DISTINGUISHED PATHWAY COMPLETION
Students who complete two-additional career-technical education courses related to their career pathway or complete the University of California recommended a-g requirements for the University Pathway, or complete the requirements of both a Career and the University Pathway, and have completed all of their coursework with a grade point average of B or better will receive recognition as a Distinguished Pathway Scholar.