High school commencement ceremonies shall be held to recognize those students who have successfully completed the required course of study earning the right to receive a diploma or certificate of credit completion. The Governing Board believes that these students deserve a public celebration that recognizes the significance of their achievement and encourages them to continue the pursuit of learning throughout their lives.
(cf. 3260 - Fees and Charges)
(cf. 6011 - Academic Standards)
(cf. 6143 - Courses of Study)
(cf. 6146.1 - High School Graduation Requirements/Standards of Proficiency)
(cf. 6162.52 - High School Exit Examination)
(cf. 6146.4 - Differential Graduation and Competency Standards for Individuals with Exceptional Needs)
Students who have completed the minimum number of credits and have passed the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) shall be issued a diploma, pursuant to Education Code 60851. Students who have completed the required course of study but who have not passed the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) shall receive a Certificate of Credit Completion rather than a diploma and shall be eligible to participate in commencement ceremonies and related commencement activities. Students who are issued a Certificate of Credit Completion and pass or receive notification of passing the California High School Exit Examination after the date of commencement shall receive a diploma.
Invocations and/or benedictions shall not be included in commencement ceremonies. Ceremonies or programs involving prayer for graduates shall not be sponsored by the school or district.
(cf. 1330 - Use of School Facilities)
(cf. 5145.2 - Freedom of Speech/Expression: Publications Code)
Disciplinary Considerations
In order to encourage high standards of student conduct and behavior, the principal may deny the privilege of participating in commencement ceremonies and/or activities in accordance with school rules. School rules shall ensure that the student and parent/guardian receive written notice of the privilege(s) to be denied, the grounds for such denial and the means whereby a student may appeal this decision.
(cf. 5125.2 - Withholding Grades, Diploma or Transcripts)
(cf. 5144 - Discipline)
(cf. 5145.6 - Parental Notifications)
(cf. 6161.2 - Damaged or Lost Instructional Materials)
Honors and Awards
To honor superior academic achievement, commencement ceremonies shall include recognition of a valedictorian and salutatorian. The Superintendent or designee shall establish procedures that ensure a fair determination of the students who have achieved the highest grade point average in the class. If a tie exists, the principal may honor more than one valedictorian and/or salutatorian.
(cf. 5121 - Grades/Evaluation of Student Achievement)
The Superintendent or designee shall identify other school-sponsored awards which may be given during commencement exercises. A separate awards program may be held to recognize students receiving other school and nonschool awards.
(cf. 5126 - Awards for Achievement)
Foreign exchange students may receive honorary diplomas during the graduation ceremony. (Education Code 51225.5)
(cf. 6145.6 - International Exchange)
Elementary School Promotion Exercises
The Board desires that each elementary school provide age-appropriate promotion exercises to recognize students who have completed the school's course of study.
Legal Reference:
EDUCATION CODE
38119 Lease of personal property; caps and gowns
48904 Liability of parent or guardian; withholding of grades, diplomas, transcripts
51225.5 Honorary diplomas; foreign exchange students
51400-51403 Elementary school diploma
COURT DECISIONS
Cole v. Oroville Union High School District, (2000, 9th Cir.) 228 F.3d 1092
Santa Fe Independent School District v. Doe, (2000) 530 U.S. 290
Lee v. Weisman, (1992) 112 S.Ct. 2649
Sands v. Morongo Unified School District, (1991) 53 Cal. 3d 863
Lemon v. Kurtzman, (1971) 403 U.S. 602
Management Resources:
CDE PROGRAM ADVISORIES
0615.89 Granting credit for passing GED, SPB:88/89-11
WEB SITES
Policy ALHAMBRA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
adopted: September 9, 1997 Alhambra, California
revised: December 13, 2005