BP 6146.1

Instruction

 

High School Graduation Requirements

 

The Governing Board desires to prepare each student in the High School diploma program to obtain a diploma of high school graduation in order to provide students with opportunities for postsecondary education and/or employment.  

 

Course Requirements

 

All students in the high school diploma program shall complete the following course of study in order to receive a diploma of graduation:

 

1.         At least the following number of courses in the subjects specified, each course having ten units of credit earned:

 

            a.         Four courses in English  (Education Code 51225.3)

 

            b.         Two courses in mathematics, one of the two must be Algebra (Education Code 51225.3)

 

            c.         Two courses in science, including biological and physical sciences  (Education Code 51225.3)

 

            d.         Four courses in social studies, including United States history,  World History, culture, and geography; a one-semester course in                    United States government; and a one-semester course in economics  (Education Code 51225.3)

 

            e.         One course in visual or performing arts or foreign language, (Education Code 51225.3)

 

2.         The requirements for graduation from the adult education program as set forth in SB813 shall be as follows:

 

            English                                   40

            World History                         10

            U.S. History                            10

            Government                             5

            Economics                               5

            Mathematics                          10

            Algebra                                  10

            Biological Science                10

            Physical Science                  10

            Fine Arts (10) or                    10

            Foreign Language (10)       

            Electives                                70

                        Total Credits                          190

 

 

 

3.         Physical Education Requirement

           

            a.         The physical education requirement is waived for Adult Education students 18 years of age or older who are seeking a high                                  school diploma in the Adult Education Program.

 

4.         Diploma

 

            a.         A diploma may be issued to adult students on completion of the requirements for graduation and the passage of the required exit                      examinations.

 

            b.         In order to qualify for a diploma from the Metropolitan Adult Education Program, a student must be enrolled as an adult and earn a              minimum of 20 required graduation credits as an adult student enrolled in the Metropolitan Adult Education Program.

 

            c.         No person enrolled in an adult school program shall receive a graduation diploma if he or she has not passed the State required              California High School Exit Exams (CAHSEE)

 

The Governing Board recognizes that the prescribed course of study may not accommodate the needs of some students. The Board, with the active involvement of parents/guardians, administrators, teachers and students, shall adopt alternative means for the completion of prescribed courses in accordance with law, which may include:

 

1.         Practical demonstration of skills and examinations

 

2.         Work experience or other outside school experience

 

3.         Vocational education classes offered in high schools

 

4.         Courses offered by the regional occupational center or program

 

5.         Independent study

 

6.         Credit earned at a postsecondary institution.

 

Requirements for graduation and specified alternative means for completing the prescribed course of study shall be made available to students, parents/guardians and the public.  (Education Code 51225.3)

 

The achievement of at least minimum proficiency of 70% in reading comprehension, writing and mathematics is required before any student receives a high school diploma.

 

Students shall be assessed periodically to measure mastery of basic skills and shall be provided with the additional opportunities and additional instruction, when necessary, to meet the standards established by the District.

 

Exit Exam for the Classes of 2006 and Later

 

Beginning in the 2005-06 school year, each student completing the high school course diploma requirements, shall have successfully passed the state exit examination in language arts and mathematics as a condition of high school graduation. (Education Code 60851, 60859)

 

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)

 

Retroactive Diplomas

 

The Board may retroactively grant a diploma to a deceased former student who satisfies the above conditions.  The diploma shall be received by the deceased student’s next of kin.  (Education Code 51430)

 

Legal Reference:

            EDUCATION CODE

            37252             Supplemental instructional programs

            48430             Continuation education schools and classes

            48645.5          Acceptance of coursework

            48980             Notification of parent/guardian

            51215-51218            Student progress; standards of proficiency

            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

            51240-51246  Exemptions from requirements

            51410-51412  Diplomas

            51420-51427  High school equivalency certificates

            51450-51455  Golden State Seal Merit Diploma

            56390-56392 Recognition for educational achievement, special education

            60850-60859  High school exit exam

            66204             Certification of high school courses as meeting university admissions criteria

            CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 5

            1600-1651  Graduation of pupils from grade 12 and credit toward graduation

 

Adopted:  4/13/99, 10/13/99

Revised:  8/11/03; 6/14/06