MONROE PUBLIC SCHOOLS INSTRUCTION BOARD POLICY PROCEDURE P4410

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1 Page: 1of 15 MONROE PUBLIC SCHOOLS INSTRUCTION BOARD POLICY PROCEDURE P4410 The following subject areas of study, credits, non-credit requirements, and state assessments shall be required of each candidate for graduation who commences the ninth grade after September 1, 2015 unless otherwise noted. The graduating classes of 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 shall meet previously approved requirements as described in the high school course catalog. 1.0 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS 1.1 Credits for Monroe Public Schools class of 2019 and Beyond Following state guidelines, the following credits are required unless adjusted by the student s Personalized Pathway. Personalized Pathway is defined as related courses that lead to a specific post-high school career or educational outcome chosen by the student and based on the student s interests and High School and Beyond Plan, which may include Career and Technical Education and are intended to provide a focus for the student s learning. Subject Area Required Credits English 4.0 Mathematics * 3.0 Science ** 3.0 Social Studies: United States History 1.0 Civics.5 Contemporary World 1.0 History, Geography, and Problems Social Studies Elective.5 Career & Technical Education 1.0 Physical Education 1.5 Health.5 Fine Arts*** 2.0 World Language**** 2.0 Electives

2 Page: 2of 15 * Math courses must be Algebra and higher and described in the High School and Beyond Plan. ** At least two credits of the three science credits shall be a lab science. *** One credit may be a Personalized Pathway Requirement. **** Both credits may be a Personalized Pathway Requirement. 1.2 Non Credit for the Class of 2019 and Beyond a. High School and Beyond Plan Within the first year of high school enrollment, each student will develop a High School and Beyond Plan. The plan will be developed in collaboration with the student, parents/guardians, and district staff. a. Required components of the Plan are identified career self-assessments, an educational goal, a career goal, and a proposed four-year course of study for high school. b. Each student plan shall be reviewed annually to review current levels of performance and interests and revised accordingly for the next year. c. Parents/Guardians and students understand that the Personalized Pathway identified in their Plan will determine graduation requirements where appropriate. Parents/Guardians will acknowledge their agreement with the plan with a signature. b. Completion of Washington State History Requirement a. This requirement can be met if a student successfully passes the district s approved 7 th grade Social Studies course. b. The district will provide alternative methods for students to meet this requirement at the middle level if the student has not passed the course with a grade of D or higher. c. Students will also have the opportunity to take this course at the high school. c. Career and College Seminar (Previously Culminating Challenge) a. Completion of this seminar and project is required. It may be taken as a course for elective credit or completed independently. b. Required components are Career and postsecondary research, a career or community service project, and presentation. c. Students who are on track to achieve an AA degree through the Running Start program are exempt from this requirement.

3 Page: 3of Required State Assessments a. Students must pass the English Language Arts (ELA) and Math Assessments from the Washington Comprehensive Assessment Program (WCAP). b. Students must pass the Washington State Biology End of Course (EOC) Exam. c. Students may access any of the state approved alternative methods for passing the required assessments. 2.0 RECOGNITION FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE 2.1 High School Credit for Students in Grades Seven and Eight Students in grades seven and eight may be awarded high school credit for courses taken prior to the ninth grade (RCW 28A ) if: a) The course was taken with students in grades 9 12 and the student has successfully passed the class by completing the same course requirements and examinations as all other students in grades 9 12 enrolled in the class; or b) The academic level of the course exceeds the requirements for seventh and eighth grade classes and the course would qualify for high school credit because the course is similar or equivalent to a course offered in grades 9 12 in the Monroe School District. The student must earn a grade of C or better in the course to be eligible for high school credit. All courses eligible for high school credit will automatically be submitted to the high school. Courses will then be recorded on the high school transcript with a S for satisfactory. S grades are not included in decisions regarding class rank, valedictorian, salutatorian, high honors, or other honors. Students who have taken and successfully completed high school courses under the circumstances described above shall not be required to take an additional competency examination or perform other additional assignments to receive credit.

4 Page: 4of Academic Challenge Award Effective with the Graduating Class of 2007 Students may elect to participate in a more rigorous course of study that is highly academic and college preparatory in nature. The academic challenge program is a four-year commitment consisting of advanced academic courses. Students who select and complete the academic challenge program will receive special recognition and designation on their permanent record. A grade of C or better is required in all classes, with a grade of B or better in one or more of the following type classes: Advanced Placement, Running Start, College in the High School, and/or International Baccalaureate. 3 credits of the same Foreign Language; 4 credits of English (completion of Western Literature and Composition, or at least one AP English Course); 4 credits of Math (must include PreCalculus, Calculus, or Statistics); 4 credits of Science (9 th grade Science, 3 of the following (Biology, Biology II AP, Chemistry, Cell Biotechnology, Environmental Science, Marine Biology/Zoology, Geoscience w/astronomy, Physics or Physics AP) 2.3 Grades and Grade Point Averages as Applied to Graduation Effective with the Graduating Class of 2007 Grades will be given the following point values as per the Washington State standardized transcript grading scale as summarized below: A 4.0 B+ 3.3 B- 2.7 C 2.0 D+ 1.3 F 0.0 A- 3.7 B 3.0 C+ 2.3 C- 1.7 D Honors and Honors Recognition a) Valedictorian - Decided by the student or students with the highest GPA who has taken a minimum of five (5) graded (A-F) classes in each of the first seven (7) semesters, maintaining GPA at last grading period prior to graduation and is eligible for an Academic Challenge Award b) Salutatorian - Decided by the student or students with the second highest GPA who has taken a minimum of five (5) graded (A-F) classes in each of the last first seven (7) semesters, maintaining GPA at last grading period prior to graduation and is eligible for an Academic Challenge Award c) High Honors at Commencement and above cumulative GPA (first 7 semesters,

5 Page: 5of 15 grades 9-12) with Gold Honor Cord d) Honors at Commencement cumulative GPA (first 7 semesters, grades 9-12) with Silver Honor Cord e) Top 10% of Class - Rank order of cumulative GPA (first 7 semesters, grades 9-12) f) Semester Honor Roll for Grades 6 through cumulative GPA within a minimum of 5 graded (A-F) classes; minimum of 4 graded (A-F) classes for Seniors. Honor Roll is not a cumulative award and is not based on a student's cumulative GPA. 2.5 Proficiency Certificates Secondary staff in grades 9-12 are encouraged to award proficiency certificates to those students who complete skill-based programs designed to prepare them for entry into the workforce or other postsecondary educational options. Students who earn proficiency certificates shall be recognized at the senior recognition ceremony. 2.6 Academic Standing and Minimum for Grade Level Advancement Academic standing and minimum requirements for grade level advancement shall be determined by the graduation year assigned to the student when entering ninth grade, assuming an on-time graduation. If a student has been homeschooled, their chronological age by September 1 st will be used to assign a graduation year Grade level advancement (roll-up) will take place at the end of each semester. 2.7 Equivalency Credits The application of equivalency credits to meet specific graduation requirements within each of the subject headings may be appropriate in meeting individual needs and courses of study for meeting the graduation requirements. The list of appropriate equivalency credits (crosscredit applications) will be published yearly in the appropriate school catalogue that outlines graduation requirements. The procedure for the granting of equivalency credits may be found in Board Policy #4760. Beginning with the Class of 2016, the state has approved the policy that a CTE course can meet two different graduation requirements (occupational and fine arts for example) provided that the equivalency process has been followed and approved. The class still only earns a.5 or 1.0 credit.

6 Page: 6of Diplomas Each student shall be awarded a diploma appropriate to their program of study after satisfactorily completing local and state requirements and shall receive a final transcript. A diploma shall be awarded from the school or program where the student earns a majority of their in-district high school credit. Students who receive an equivalent amount of credit from two or more sites within the District may choose the school or program that will award their diploma. Students who graduate from Monroe High School will receive a Monroe High School diploma; all other students shall receive a Monroe Public Schools diploma. 3.0 ALTERNATIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCES 3.1 Correspondence and On-Line Courses As defined in WAC , the Monroe School District accepts credit from correspondence and on-line providers. a) Credit is granted for the following approved schools: 1) Accredited schools, and/or schools approved by the National University Extension Association or the National Home Study Council; and 2) Community colleges, vocational-technical institutes, four-year colleges and universities, and accredited private schools in the state of Washington; and 3) Other schools, institutions, or programs that are approved by the district after evaluation for a particular course offering. b) Correspondence and on-line courses may be used to satisfy graduation requirements in all subject areas, including core subject areas (e.g., math, English, science, history, etc.). 3.2 Board Approved Alternative Learning Experience Programs As defined in Board Policy 4430 (Alternative Learning Experience Programs), the Monroe School District approves the operation of alternative learning experience programs consistent with the requirements of WAC New alternative programs will be approved by the school board based on the needs of the student population. Refer to the entire policy for content and application.

7 Page: 7of Home-Based Instruction As defined in Board Policy 5210 (Home-Based Instruction), the Monroe School District recognizes the right of parents to elect to educate their children at home. Home-based students wishing to receive a high school diploma shall comply with district policy and procedures relating to high school graduation requirements. Students who are enrolled in approved programs that are part of a college program do not fall within the five (5) credit limitation required to be eligible for a Monroe High School or Monroe Public Schools diploma as defined in board procedure P5210. Refer to entire policy for content and application. 3.4 Credit for Supervised Work-Based Learning Experiences (Paid) The use of work experience as a part of the educational program of students should be regarded as part of the secondary school curriculum rather than a means to relieve a shortage of skilled workers. The following are the basis upon which credit may be granted for work experience: a) The work program shall be supervised by the school. b) The work experience shall be related to the career interests of the student. c) Credit given for work experience shall represent growth in the student and the type of work done should have definite educational value. d) The job in which experience is gained shall provide experience in all aspects of the industry. e) A work experience program shall be supplemented by an adequate program of guidance, placement, follow-up, and coordination between job and school. f) Work experience, as a planned part of an approved program of study, may be included as additional credit for that subject (e.g., marketing class) g) One semester of work credit may be granted for not less than 180 hours of work experience related to a student s school program or career interests. h) A participating student shall be legally employed and must have passed his or her sixteenth birthday. i) An employer s report of the student s work record, indicating satisfactory progress on the job, shall be filed with the school. 3.5 Out-of-School Learning Credit As defined in Board Policy 4415 (Out of School Learning Credit), individual students may be granted credit within the three (3) credit limitation for meaningful learning experiences completed outside the school district and/or with individuals not certificated, in favor of a specific requirement that more suitably meets the needs of the student.

8 Page: 8of 15 a) Upon consultation with the counselor, a formal request for credit for out-of-school learning shall be initiated by the student and/or his/her parent guardian. Formal requests must include: 1) district application for out-of school learning credit; 2) detailed description of the out-of-school learning experience, to include the activities, hours per week, and instructor s name(s); 3) resumé of the out-of-school instructor(s), facilitator, or person responsible for the learning experience; 4) letter from the student explaining how the request will further their learning opportunities and progress toward graduation and success after high school. b) The principal shall make a written determination based upon the application and accompanying information, consultation with the student, parent/guardian, counselor, and/or any other person(s) as invited by any of these parties. Upon completion of the out-of-school learning experience the student shall provide documentation demonstrating completion of the approved plan. Posting of the out-of-school learning experience credit to the student s transcript will be completed only after final documentation has been reviewed and approved by the building principal. 3.6 Running Start Program Students must be enrolled in the Monroe Public Schools and be a junior or senior in standing based on credits and not years of attendance. Courses taken from a community college must be approved by the Monroe Public Schools and must meet graduation requirements. Students wishing to take community college courses and/or follow another course of study may do so with principal approval and successful completion of community college entrance requirements. Monitoring student attendance in Running Start classes is the sole responsibility of the enrolled student and the student s parent(s) or guardian(s).

9 Page: 9of National Guard High School Career Training Credit may be granted for National Guard high school career training in lieu of either required or elective high school credits. Approval by the district shall be obtained prior to a student s participation in a National Guard training program as follows: a) MIL Form 115 or an equivalent form now or hereafter provided by the National Guard shall be completed and filed with the school district; and b) The number of credits toward high school graduation to be granted shall be calculated, agreed upon by the student and authorized representative of the school district, and such agreement noted on MIL Form 115 or such equivalent form. Credit toward high school graduation may be granted by the school district upon certification by a National Guard training unit commander on the completion component of MIL Form 115 or such equivalent form that the student has met all program requirements. 3.8 Operation Recognition Diplomas for World War II and Korean Conflict Veterans Refer to Board Policy #9350 for application information and additional details 4.0 STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS 4.1 High School Graduation for Students with Special Educational Needs No student shall be denied the opportunity to earn a high school diploma solely because of limitations on the student's ability. A student's IEP team shall consider the graduation requirements for inclusion in the student's IEP when a student with a disability is 14 years old or registers for grade 9. An IEP team shall also consider the student's transition plan when determining which required and elective courses will be included in the student's IEP. The transition plan shall be reviewed annually. For a high school student with an IEP, the student's IEP team shall determine whether the student is exempt from one or more of the graduation requirements. When exempt status is adopted, the team shall determine whether or not a different standard or IEP goal specific to the learning area is appropriate and shall include that goal in the student's plan.

10 Page: 10 of High School Graduation for Limited English Proficient (LEP) and Migrant Students Limited English Proficient (LEP) and migrant students shall be allowed to have more than four years to graduate from high school. Migrant students shall have an expected year of graduation that reflects a five-year period when entering grade nine and LEP students shall have up to seven years to complete high school (the same as special education students). The assignment of the expected year of graduation for these students shall be done on a caseby-case basis by a thorough review of qualifying date, proficiency level, test scores, and grades between the student s counselor and the ELL teacher. The rationale for additional time shall be noted in the student s records. LEP students shall also have the right to earn high school credit through courses in their native language that are accredited and aligned with Washington State standards. Identification of the appropriate courses shall be determined by the student s counselor. 5.0 ADMINISTRATION OF THE POLICY 5.1 Publication of Graduation Prior to ninth grade registration and each year thereafter, each student and his or her parents or guardians will be provided with a copy of the applicable graduation requirements. Graduation requirements are subject to change prior to September 1 of each year. If changes are made, a written copy will be provided to all incoming freshmen and their families by September 1 st of the student s freshman school year. Graduation requirements shall also be included in the school s course catalog and published online. 5.2 Evaluation and/or Waiver of Graduation a) The following procedure shall be followed in graduation waiver requests: 1) The principal is responsible for evaluating educational experiences of individual students and recommending graduation to the superintendent when requirements have been met. 2) An individual student may be granted exemption from any requirement in this policy if the student has experienced unusual circumstances such as health issues, family displacement, or other issues outside of the student s control. The principal may waive up to two credits provided that the student has attempted 24 credits and all credits required for core subjects (English, Math, Social Studies, and Science) have been met.

11 Page: 11 of 15 3) When a 12th grade student transfers from another high school or educational program, the student may be permitted to graduate with a lesser number of credits, provided the minimum state course and credit requirements are satisfied and the student successfully passes six (6) credits during his/her final year of school. 4) Credit will be awarded to those students who transfer from schools or programs that have a school day or school year schedule other than the schedule being offered by the Monroe Public Schools on a pro-rated basis. b) Waiver of graduation requirements will be determined by the principal. The procedure for processing requests for waivers shall be as follows: 1) The parent or eligible student shall initiate the request. 2) The principal shall investigate the request for waiver of the graduation requirements. 3) The principal shall make a determination in writing based upon appropriate data and upon conclusions of the investigation. 4) The principal shall develop appropriate record keeping procedures for storage of all pertinent data relating to each waiver request. 5) The parent or eligible student shall be notified that an appeal to the principal s decision of the student s waiver request may be made in writing to the superintendent no later than thirty (30) days prior to the anticipated graduation date. 6) Washington State History and Government, pursuant to WAC , and physical education, pursuant to RCW 28A , may be waived. In the latter instance, an individual student may be excused from physical education upon written request of a parent or guardian on account of physical disability, employment, religious belief, or because of participation in directed athletics or military science and tactics. Refer to procedures for physical education waivers. 5.3 Credit and Out of District Transfer Credit Acceptance Students in the Class of 2019 shall be expected to earn a total of 24 credits in order to obtain a high school diploma. All credits must be earned from an approved high school, community college, on-line program, alternative program, and/or home school program. For credit purposes, a student must engage in a minimum of 150 hours of approved instruction per 1.0 credit unless otherwise noted. Credit awarded by Monroe High School may be granted incrementally. Alternative education programs in the Monroe School District, as authorized under WAC , including approved distance learning programs, may also grant credit incrementally.

12 Page: 12 of 15 For out of district transfer students, the prospective student's total number of credits will be adjusted, as necessary, based on a ratio of the total number of credits he or she could earn from the sending school to the total number of credits he or she could earn from the Monroe Public Schools (24 Carnegie Units), excluding alternative learning opportunities; such credit shall be measured on a yearly basis. Regardless of the number of credits earned, students must complete all required course work and requirements to graduate from the Monroe Public Schools as referenced in Section 1.1 of this Policy. The building principal may also accept transfer credit in increments. 5.4 Procedure for Repeating Mathematics and World Language Courses Students may repeat a Mathematics or World Language course under the following conditions: 1) The instructor determines the student needs to further develop the concepts of the course before moving to the next level, or 2) The student is allowed to repeat the course if he or she earns a letter grade of D or F, or 3) The teacher, counselor, and parent request that the student repeat the course for elective credit. For credit to be granted in a repeated course, the student must earn a letter grade that is one full letter grade higher than his or her first attempt in the course. Elective credit is granted for the first letter grade only if the second letter grade is one full letter grade higher. Failure to improve the previous letter grade by the equivalent of one full letter grade will result in no credit for the repeated course. 5.5 Physical Education Waivers The Monroe School District believes in and supports active student participation in physical education classes from K-12. However, it is understood that there are individual situations that need to be considered. RCW 28A , states,... that individual students may be excused from participation in physical education otherwise required under this section on account of physical disability, employment, religious belief, or because of participation in directed athletics or military science and tactics or other good cause. Therefore, student waivers from participation in actual physical education classes must be directly related to the criterion listed. Furthermore, a school is no longer required by statute to accept requests for physical education requirement waivers regardless of reason.

13 Page: 13 of 15 To implement the regulations regarding waivers in the Monroe School District, the following procedures apply to the criteria: a) Students requesting waivers for physical disability must present a written statement from a medical doctor specifying the medical problem(s); or b) Students requesting waivers for religious beliefs must present a written statement from their minister stating the religious position; or c) Students requesting waivers for participation in directed athletics must be participating in school sponsored and/or other approved programs and shall be excused only for the semester of participation. Winter sports will be counted toward first semester participation only; or d) Participation in ROTC qualifies a student for waivers from physical education because of military science and tactics; or e) Other good cause, such as a highly structured academic program or employment, shall be at the discretion of the principal. A maximum waiver of one year (1.0 credits) of PE in grades 9-12 will be granted. Consult policy 4415 (Out of School Learning Credit) for additional information. Relating to RCW 28A , the State Board of Education has adopted WAC that, in part, states that, such excused students shall be required to substitute equivalency credits in accordance with policies of the boards of directors of districts. In effect, this regulation requires local school boards to determine which courses of study a student who has waived physical education must take in order to satisfy the graduation requirements set forth in WAC In the Monroe Public Schools any course in grades 9-12 will qualify as an equivalent credit; requests to waive physical education, however, must be applied for and approved in advance. 5.6 Commencement Ceremonies for Monroe High School Students who fulfill graduation requirements by the end of the second semester of their senior year may participate in the commencement ceremony at the school or program that awards their diploma. Students who graduate early are also eligible to participate in their school or site s commencement ceremony. Seniors wishing to participate in the Commencement Ceremony must be enrolled for five credits or more each semester

14 Page: 14 of 15 Waiver for Commencement Ceremony Students may qualify for a Commencement Waiver if they are deficient in either credits or the requirements. Students may apply for a waiver based on Option One or Option Two as noted below, but not both. All components of the Career and College Ready Seminar must be completed prior to commencement for students to be eligible to participate in their school or program s commencement ceremony. Option One For the Classes of , students who have earned 22 credits by the completion of the second semester of their senior year may participate in commencement ceremonies provided they have a signed statement from a parent or guardian on file indicating how the student will complete the remaining.5 credit. Such students will not receive a diploma until the credit has been earned and transcripted. Option Two For the Classes of , students who have yet to meet all state assessment requirements may participate in commencement ceremonies provided they have a signed statement from a parent or guardian on file indicating that the student has submitted the required Collection of Evidence by the June date. Such students will not receive a diploma until they have successfully completed the approved alternate. Commencement ceremonies will be conducted in the following manner: a) Each participating student must participate in the commencement ceremony rehearsal. Each student who participates will purchase or rent the proper cap and gown, as appropriate, as designated by the school administration. b) Caps and gowns will be worn in the proper manner, as designated by the school administration and class advisor. c) Students who participate will be expected to use good taste in their choice of accessories for their attire. Any accessory deemed inappropriate by a building administrator must be removed prior to participation in commencement ceremonies. d) Each student who participates will be expected to cooperate with the principal and/or designee and to participate in all parts of the commencement ceremonies. e) Students must be in compliance with the provisions of the current student handbook (i.e., Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook) at rehearsal and commencement ceremonies.

15 Page: 15 of 15 Failure to comply with the above requirements will automatically forfeit a student s privilege of participation in the commencement ceremonies. A student s grades, diploma, and/or transcript may be withheld until such time as any loss or damage claims against the student have been paid (RCW 28A ). 5.7 Recording Keeping A copy of the graduation policy and procedures in effect on September 1 of each year and the course handbook for the school year beginning on September 1 of each year will be kept on file in the building principal s office to aid in the interpretation of graduation requirements and course offerings over time. 5.8 Appeal Procedure A decision by the principal in applying or deciding on any provision of Board Policy and Procedure #4410 may be appealed. Appeals must be made in writing and submitted to the Assistant Superintendent, Instructional Services of the Monroe Public Schools no later than thirty (30) days after the last student day of the school year. Appeals from students or parents and guardians specific to graduation ceremonies or high school diplomas must be submitted a minimum of ten (10) days prior to graduation. Appeals by building principals, for the purposes of procedural clarification, must be made at least 24 hours prior to a school or site s graduation ceremony.