High School Graduation Requirements

Transcription

1 High School Graduation Requirements Procedure No. 2410A A student graduating from a Longview high school shall receive a diploma indicating essential skills competency and exit outcomes proficiency. In addition, students will complete a minimum of 22 credits in grades 9 12 in specified areas and electives. All entering ninth grade students enrolled in the Longview high schools shall prepare and annually update an individual high school and beyond (4+ Plan) which addresses strategies for successfully meeting the following three requirements. I. Essential Skills A. Beginning with the class of 2008, students must earn a Longview School District diploma or the certificate of individual achievement, or have met Washington state standards as designated per cohort years to be eligible to receive a diploma. All students not demonstrating success on any state-required standard measured by state approved assessments will have a student learning plan in place describing what academic steps the student must take to graduate on time. The district will meet with parents at least annually to inform them of the student learning plan, actions the school plans to take, and the student s progress. II. Exit Outcome Proficiency A. Students will demonstrate proficiency in each of the district s exit outcomes 1. Responsible Citizens 4. Effective Communicators 2. Quality Producers 5. Self-directed Learners 3. Resourceful Thinkers 6. Knowledgeable Persons B. Proficiency of exit outcomes one through five shall be demonstrated through a culminating project, part of which shall include an oral presentation component. C. Proficiency in exit outcome number six shall be determined through the Washington Comprehensive Assessment Program and classroom assessments. III. General Education Achievement - 22 credits required A. High School credit shall mean: One credit represents a passing grade in a one-period class that is scheduled to meet daily throughout the school year for planned in-school instruction. Classes meeting differently will grant proportional credits. With this formula, a student earns one credit for a yearlong course and.5 credits for a semester class. Credits are earned in grades 9-12 or the equivalent of a 4-year high school program or as otherwise provided in RCW 28A A and B. 1) Successful completion, as defined by written district policy, of courses taught to the state s essential academic learning requirements (learning standards). If there are no state adopted learning standards for a subject, the school board or its designee shall determine learning standards for the successful completion of that subject, or Longview School District Page 1 of 12

2 2) Satisfactory demonstration by a student of proficiency/competency, as defined by written district policy of the state learning requirements (learning standards). B. Prerequisite Courses and Waivers - Any waiver of a required course will not constitute an equivalent credit within a curriculum area. When prior knowledge and skills are required for success in a specific course, prerequisite courses may be required. A waiver of prerequisite course requirement will be granted if the student demonstrates these skills and knowledge in an objective assessment used to determine placement. C. Required Courses Credits Needed 1. English 4 credits Reading, Writing, Oral Communication and Literature will be included in the four credits 2. Math (implementation effective with the Class of 2004) 2/3* credits One credit must include Algebra I or Integrated I and one credit of Geometry or Integrated II. * credits required for the Class of 2013 and beyond 3. Laboratory Science 2 credits a. Chemistry or equivalent.5 credits b. Physics or equivalent.5 credits c. Biology or equivalent 1.0 credit 4. Community Health & Safety.5 credit 5. Physical Education 2 credits 6. Occupational Education* (implementation effective with the Class of 2004) 1 credit *Course content must include Teamwork, Problem Solving, Computer Literacy, and Technical Reading and Writing related to an occupation within that discipline. 7. Fine Arts 1 credit Visual and/or performing arts 8. Social Studies 3 credits a. U. S. History b. Current World Problems Will include Civics, Economics and World Issues c. World History Will include Western Civilization, Longview School District Page 2 of 12

3 World Geography and Cultures d. Washington State History and Government** (0.5 credit) **Students must have a record of successful completion of one course in Pacific Northwest History and Government. This requirement may be satisfied through a class taken at middle school. Students entering school for the first time in this state as seniors are excused [required by WAC (2)]. Any student who has completed and passed at least a semester of state history in another state in grades seven through twelve is excused [WAC (2b)]. 9. Electives a. Career Pathways (implementation effective with the Class of 2004) 2 credits In addition to the required courses, at least two elective credits must be earned in the same individual high school and beyond plan. b. Unrestricted Electives Balance needed to earn minimum of 22 credits. IV. Rationale for Exceeding Minimum State Graduation Requirements Pursuant to WAC , the Board of Directors of the Longview School District hereby indicates its rationale for imposing graduation requirements in excess of the minimum in WAC and WAC A. English - Four credits in English exceeds the minimum standard by 1 credit. The Longview School District believes that oral and written communication is critical to successful participation in our society. The student who cannot competently read, or who cannot effectively express ideas orally or in writing, faces severe handicaps in a world where these skills are highly valued. B. Community Health & Safety - State minimum standards do not require health for graduation. The Longview School District believes that all students should be required to receive instruction in community health and safety in order to better prepare them to care for themselves and others. C. Social Studies - The Longview School District believes that in our global society students must have a thorough understanding of the underlying principles of social, religious, economic, and political systems, as well as diversity, interdependence, continuity, change, and citizenship in the United States of America. D. Career Pathways - The career pathways requirement is in addition to state requirements. The Longview School District believes that each student should explore a variety of career pathways and choose a pathway that prepares a student for entrance into advanced training in a four-year community or technical college, apprenticeship in specific occupational industry certifications, or entry level employment. Career pathways enable the student to better focus high school learning experiences in preparation for life after high school. Longview School District Page 3 of 12

4 V. Sequential Requirement for English, Mathematics, and Science English, mathematics, and science shall not be applied toward the state-mandated subject area requirements at a rate exceeding one credit per year, except under the following conditions: A. Students who transfer from outside the state of Washington who have already earned five or more credits, but who will not be able to make normal progress toward graduation with their class without an exception. B. Students who fail a course and jointly enroll in the failed course and another course in the same subject, if the student is not able to make normal progress toward graduation with his/her class without an exception. C. A student/parent request for individual consideration, such as a plan for acceleration or special interest in a subject matter, may be approved by the building principal. VI. Required Class Load Each student in the ninth thru twelfth grades will be enrolled in a minimum program of six daily class periods. Variations to the required class load for individual students may occur based upon specific student needs and appropriate educational planning. VII. Enrollment Period Students will normally be enrolled in grades 9-12 for the equivalent of eight semesters to be considered eligible for graduation. A student requesting special consideration (see paragraph X) must obtain approval on or before the completion of the junior year. VIII. Transfer Students A. From Other Accredited Schools - A full program of classes at other accredited secondary schools will be honored by the Longview School District as an equivalent of a full program of classes in this district when evaluating credits for graduation. B. From Home-Based Schools - Home-based students who wish to graduate from a Longview high school must meet the requirements of procedure C. All transfer students must demonstrate mastery of essential skills on a standardized assessment from the state that they transfer from or by successfully meeting standards of the Washington Comprehensive Assessment Program D. All transfer students are required to complete all or a portion of a culminating project. IX. Participation in Commencement Exercises Longview School District Page 4 of 12

5 In order to participate in Longview School District commencement exercises, students must have completed all graduation requirements. Non-immigrant foreign students are covered under policy and procedure X. Special Consideration A. Any request for exceptions to the graduation policy must be accompanied by a statement of cause and a plan for credit attainment. This plan must be presented to the building principal for approval in accordance with procedure 2410D. B. Students enrolled in the special education program shall be expected to meet as many of the graduation requirements as determined to be within their capacity. Graduation requirements for special education students may vary from the district and state general requirements according to the individual education program (IEP) as prescribed by the student s multi-disciplinary team and the IEP committee. Any student who is receiving special education or related services under an individual education program pursuant to state and federal law and will continue to receive such services between the ages of eighteen and twenty-one will have the right to participate in the graduation ceremony and activities after four years of high school attendance with his or her age-appropriate peers. XI. Grade Level Classification Prior to full implementation of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), No Child Left Behind (NCLB) required cohort data collection system for determination of ontime graduation for the class of 2008, high school students will be promoted to the next grade each year, regardless of credits earned, until the end of their junior year. Students will need a minimum of 16 credits to be eligible for senior status and will remain at the junior year until 16 credits are earned and students are on target with the culminating project. Legal References: WAC Additional local standards Local application of state requirements High school credit for courses taken before attending high school High school credit Definition Minimum credits for high school graduation Minimum subject areas for high school graduation Sequential requirement for English, mathematics Laboratory science requirement Social studies requirement Mandatory courses Equivalencies Occupational education requirement Longview School District Page 5 of 12

6 Physical education requirement Excuse Equivalency credit for alternative learning experiences, nonhigh school courses, work experience, and challenges Procedures for granting high school graduation credits for students with special educational needs Initially Adopted: May 1, 1986 Adopted: April 26, 2010 Amended: November 26, 2012 Longview School District Page 6 of 12

7 Waiver of High School Graduation Requirements Procedure No. 2410B Graduation requirements are established with the expectation that all students will complete them as listed. It is recognized, however, that individual students may have reason to request waiver of one or more required courses in order to accomplish specific academic or personal goals not possible with the required program. Limitation on Waivers 1. Requirements designated by state statutes may not be waived. 2. A student may not waive more than 1 of the 22 credits. The waived credit cannot be a state required credit. Procedures for Granting of Waivers 1. The student and/or his/her parent(s) or guardian(s) shall complete the necessary "Request for Waiver of Graduation Requirement" form. This form will be issued by the counselors in the secondary schools. 2. The completed form shall be signed by the counselor, indicating that a review of the request has been made and sent to the principal for approval or disapproval. The principal's rationale for rejection of the request must be included on the form. 3. A copy of the request form, including the rationale for its disposition, shall be placed in the student's permanent record folder. 4. A student or his/her parent(s) or guardian(s) who wishes to appeal the decision of the principal may do so by submitting a letter to the superintendent or designee within 10 days of receipt of the principal's decision requesting a review of the decision. The superintendent or designee shall review the case and notify the student and his/her parent(s) or guardian(s) of the decision within 10 days of receipt of the letter. 5. When a waiver is granted, a notation signed by a counselor shall be made on the student's transcript and four-year plan. Legal References: RCW 28A Physical education in high schools WAC Physical education Grade school and high school requirement Social studies requirements Mandatory courses Equivalencies Initially Adopted: April 7, 1977 Adopted: April 26, 2010 Longview School District Page 7 of 12

8 Equivalency Credit for Alternative Learning Experiences, Non High School Courses, Electronic Mediated Courses, Work Experience and Challenges Procedure No. 2410C All alternative learning experiences must be approved by the high school principal prior to enrollment if credit is desired. High school credits may be given for the following: 1. Planned learning experiences conducted away from the school under the supervision or with the approval of the school (refer to procedure 2410F); 2. Work experience on the basis that 405 hours of work experience equals one credit (refer to procedure 2410E); 3. National Guard high school career training; 4. Postsecondary courses in accredited colleges and universities A minimum of.5 and a maximum of 1.0 high school credit will be awarded for every five quarter or three semester hours of community college high school completion course work: provided, that for purposes of awarding equivalency credit under this subsection, college and university high school completion course work includes course work that is designated below the 100 level by the college and that the course work is developmental education at grade levels nine through twelve. Postsecondary courses designated below the 100 level by the college shall be awarded.5 high school credits. Postsecondary courses designated at the 100 level or above shall be awarded 1.0 high school credit. 5. Courses in accredited or approved vocational-technical institutes; 6. Correspondence courses from accredited colleges and universities or schools approved by the National University Extension Association or the National Home Study Council; 7. Other courses offered by any school or institution if specifically approved for credit by the district. 8. Electronically mediated courses meeting standards adopted by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, or the Distance Education and Training Council or the Commission for International and Trans-Regional Accreditation, or on-line digital courses recognized by OSPI. 9. Credit based on competency testing, in lieu of enrollment or taking specific courses granted by the district. Legal References: RCW 28A High school graduation requirements or equivalencies Reevaluation and report by state board of education Credit for courses taken before attending high school Postsecondary credit equivalencies Longview School District Page 8 of 12

9 WAC Equivalency course of study Credit for correspondence courses and college courses Equivalency course of study Credit for work experience Equivalency course of study National Guard high school career training Approval procedures High school credit definition Equivalency credit for alternative learning experiences, nonhigh school courses, work experience, and challenges Initially Adopted: April 7, 1977 Adopted: April 26, 2010 Longview School District Page 9 of 12

10 Credit for Learning Experiences Conducted Away from School or by Persons Not Employed by the School District Procedure No. 2410D Credit toward high school graduation may be granted for school-planned learning experiences primarily conducted away from the facilities owned, operated, or supervised by the school district or conducted primarily by individuals not employed by the school district. Schoolplanned learning experiences such as, but not limited to, travel study, work study, private lessons, and educational programs sponsored by governmental agencies may be accepted for credit upon compliance with procedures listed below. Procedures for obtaining approval of credits: 1. A proposal for approval of credit for off-campus learning experiences shall be submitted by the student prior to the experience and shall include at least the following information: a. Name of program b. Length of time for which approval is desired c. Objectives of the program d. Number of hours of instruction (1) As a general rule, 150 hours of instruction will be required for one credit. e. Description of how credits shall be determined f. Content outline of the program and/or major learning activities and instructional materials to be used g. Description of how student performance will be assessed h. Qualifications of instructional personnel i. Plans for evaluation of program 2. All proposals for granting credit for off-campus learning experiences shall be reviewed and approved or disapproved by a building-level committee made up of the high school principal or designee, a high school counselor, and a high school teacher. 3. The reasons for approval or disapproval shall be communicated to the students, parents, or guardians. Legal References: WAC Equivalency course of study Credit for learning experiences conducted away from school or by persons not employed by the school district Initially Adopted: April 7, 1977 Adopted: April 26, 2010 Longview School District Page 10 of 12

11 High School Credit for Work Experience Procedure No. 2410E School districts may accept work experience training in lieu of either required or elective high school credits if such experience training meets the following standards: 1. The work program shall be supervised by the school. 2. The work experience shall be definitely related to the school program of the student. 3. Credit given for work experience shall represent growth in the student and the type of work done should have definite educational value. 4. The job in which experience is gained shall provide varied experiences. 5. A work experience program shall be supplemented by an adequate program of guidance, placement, follow-up, and coordination between job and school. 6. Work experience as a planned part of a school subject may be included in the credit given for that subject. 7. One credit may be granted for not less than four hundred five (405) hours of work experience related to a student s school program. 8. A student participating shall be legally employed and must have passed his or her 16th birthday. 9. An employer's report of the student's work record, indicating satisfactory progress on the job, shall be filed with the school. 10. The regular state apprenticeship program, where the training is worked out cooperatively with the school and meets the standards for high school graduation, is acceptable. Legal Reference: WAC Equivalency course of study Credit for work experience Equivalency credit for alternative learning experiences, non-high school courses, work experience, and challenges Initially Adopted: April 7, 1977 Adopted: April 26, 2010 Longview School District Page 11 of 12

12 High School Credit for Private Music Instruction Procedure No. 2410F High school students may receive credit for hours of private music instruction under the following conditions: 1. Guideline: Seventy-five (75) hours of instruction equal one-half credit; 150 hours of instruction equal one credit. 2. An application for credit must be approved by the school principal prior to enrollment in the courses and/or learning experience. 3. A music teacher must be accredited by the Washington State Music Teachers' Association. 4. The student must complete all requirements of the WSMTA credit program including the final audition. 5. Progress as evaluated by the auditions adjudicator must be rated as satisfactory for credit to be awarded. Legal References: WAC Equivalency course of study Credit for learning experiences conducted away from school or by persons not employed by the school district Initially Adopted: December 8, 1986 Adopted: April 26, 2010 Amended: February 27, 2012 (page two only) Longview School District Page 12 of 12