The Board of Trustees desires to prepare all students to obtain a diploma of high school graduation to enable them to take advantage of opportunities for postsecondary education and/or employment.
The Board also desires that high school students complete coursework that is closely linked to personal and societal benefits.
The Board recognizes the ability to attend a public university in California is a goal for many families, which requires the completion of specific coursework or its equivalent. For this reason, Carlsbad Unified School District has established graduation requirements that meet or exceed these requirements.
(cf. 5127 - Graduation Ceremonies and Activities)
(cf. 5147 - Dropout Prevention)
(cf. 5149 - At-Risk Students)
(cf. 6143 - Courses of Study)
(cf. 6146.3 - Reciprocity of Academic Credit)
Carlsbad Unified School District Graduation Requirements
1. A minimum of 230 semester units shall be required for graduation from high school, with each course being one year unless otherwise specified.
2. For the purposes of meeting high school graduation requirements, a grade of "D" or better is considered a passing grade. Note: For UC/CSU requirements, a final grade of "C" or higher is required.
3. The following course requirements shall be met in grades 9-12 before a student is eligible for graduation:
a. Three courses in social studies, including United States history and geography; world history, culture and geography; a one-semester course in American government and civics; and a one-semester course in economics (Education Code 51225.3)
b. Four courses in English (Education Code 51225.3)
c. Three courses in mathematics, through Geometry (Education Code 51225.3) beginning with the Class of 2017, students must complete math through Algebra II
At least one mathematics course or a combination of the two courses shall meet or exceed state standards for Algebra I. Prior to grade 9, completion of mathematics coursework that meets or exceeds state standards shall not exempt a student from the requirement to complete three mathematics courses in grades 9-12. (Education Code 51224.5)
d. Two courses in science that meet or exceed either UC or CSU requirements (Education Code 51225.3)
* UC requirement - Two years of approved lab science courses, chosen from Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
Or
* CSU requirement -One year of Biology/life science and one year of physical science
e. Beginning with the Class of 2017, students must complete two courses in a World Language, in a single language other than English or demonstrated equivalent competency in alignment with UC/CSU proficiency requirements (Students may meet this requirement in middle and/or high school.)
f. One course in visual or performing arts in a single subject course (Education Code 51225.3)
g. Beginning with the Class of 2017, students must complete one course in college preparatory electives in alignment with UC/CSU proficiency requirements
(cf. 6142.2 - World/Foreign Language Instruction)
(cf. 6142.3 - Civic Education)
(cf. 6142.93 - History-Social Science Instruction)
(cf. 6142.6 - Visual and Performing Arts Education)
h. Four courses in physical education are required. All 9th graders, except for those students exempted pursuant to Education Code 51241, will be enrolled in physical education. Passing five of the six standards of the State's 9th grade physical fitness test grants a two year exemption from the four year requirement (Education Code 51225.3)
(cf. 6142.7 - Physical Education)
Alternative Graduation Requirements
The Board recognizes that, for a variety of reasons, the graduation requirements outlined above may not be appropriate for all students. The Board honors the diverse aspirations and pathways available to students and desires to prepare each student according to his/her goals and those of his/her family. Thus, the Board directs staff to establish a process whereby students, families, and school officials can work together to design programs of study to meet the particular needs and post-secondary goals of individual students while enabling them to earn a high school diploma.
The Board gives the Superintendent and his/her designee authority to establish, in cooperation with other staff and a student's parents/guardians, alternative graduation requirements for individual students. Coursework must be based on the particular needs, interests, or potential career plans of the student. Alternative graduation requirements must meet all of the following conditions:
1. Three courses in social studies, including United States history and geography; world history, culture and geography; one-semester of American government and civics; one-semester of economics (Education Code 51225.3)
2. Four courses in English (Education Code 51225.3)
3. Three courses in mathematics, through at least geometry (Education Code 51225.3) At least one mathematics course, or a combination of the two mathematics courses required for completion in grades 9-12, shall meet or exceed state academic content standards for Algebra I. Prior to grade 9, completion of mathematics coursework that meets or exceeds state standards shall not exempt a student from the requirement to complete three mathematics courses in grades 9-12. (Education Code 51224.5)
4. Two courses in science that meet or exceed either UC or CSU requirement (Education Code 51225.3)
* UC requirement - Two years of approved lab science courses chosen from Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
Or
* CSU requirement -One year of Biology/life science and one year of physical science
5. One course in visual or performing arts or World Language (Education Code 51225.3)
6. Four courses in physical education are required. All 9th graders, except for those students exempted pursuant to Education Code 51241, will be enrolled in physical education. Passing five of the six standards of the State's 9th grade physical fitness test grants a two year exemption from the four year requirement (Education Code 51225.3)
7. At a minimum, students must complete 230 units to graduate with a CUSD diploma
8. A signed understanding by the student and his/her parents/guardians of the alternative plan which outlines the potential consequences on direct admission to the University of California or California State University
Diploma Designation
The Board believes that thoughtful, personalized alternative graduation requirements have equal value to standard graduation requirements. For this reason, students who complete alternative graduation requirements shall receive the same diploma as those who complete standard graduation requirements.
Assessing Student Preparation for College and Post- Secondary Employment
As part of the District's Continuous Improvement Cycle, the Superintendent or designee shall provide an annual report to the Board, which includes college readiness progress, staff support, and graduation rates.
Additional California Requirements
In accordance with law and because the prescribed course of study may not accommodate the needs of some students, the Board shall provide alternative means for the completion of prescribed courses.
(cf. 6146.11 - Alternative Credits Toward Graduation)
(cf. 6146.2 - Certificate of Proficiency/High School Equivalency)
Continuation High School
Beginning with the class of 2015, the Governing Board shall grant a diploma to students enrolled in continuation high school upon completion of the prescribed course of study:
1. Four courses of English.
2. Three courses of Mathematics, through at least Geometry.
Completion, prior to 9th grade, of mathematics coursework, that meets or exceeds state academic content standards shall not exempt a student from the requirement to complete three mathematics courses in grades 9-12. (Education Code 51224.5)
3. A year of biological science and a year of physical science.
4. Three courses in Social Studies, including United States history and geography; world history, culture and geography; a one-semester course in American government and civics; and a one-semester course in economics.
5. One course in visual or performing arts, foreign language, or American Sign Language.
6. Four courses in physical education are required. All 9th graders, except for those students exempted pursuant to Education Code 51241, will be enrolled in physical education. Passing five of the six standards of the State's 9th grade physical fitness test grants a two year exemption from the four year requirement. (Education Code 51225.3)
7. A minimum of 220 credits, including satisfactory completion of the above courses.
General Conditions
The Superintendent or designee shall exempt or waive specific course requirements for foster youth or children of military families in accordance with Education code 51225.3 and 49701.
(cf. 6173.1 - Education for Foster Youth
(cf. 6173.2 - Education for Children of Military Families)
(cf. 6146.11 - Alternative Credits Toward Graduation)
(cf. 6146.2 - Certificate of Proficiency/High School Equivalency)
High School Exit Exam
Each student completing grade 12 shall have successfully passed the state exit examination in language arts and mathematics unless he/she receives a waiver or exemption as a condition of high school graduation. (Education Code 60851, 60859)
(cf. 6146.4 - Differential Graduation and Competency Standards for Students with Disabilities)
(cf. 6159 - Individualized Education Program)
(cf. 6162.52 - High School Exit Examination)
Supplemental instruction shall be offered to any student in grade 7-12 who does not demonstrate "sufficient progress," as defined in Board policy, toward passing the exit examination. (Education Code 37252, 60851)
(cf. 5148.2 - Before/After School Programs)
(cf. 6176 - Weekend/Saturday Classes)
(cf. 6177 - Summer School)
(cf. 6179 - Supplemental Instruction)
Students who have not passed one or both parts of the exit exam by the end of grade 12 shall have the opportunity to receive intensive instruction and services for up to two consecutive academic years after completion of grade 12 or until they have passed both parts of the exam, whichever comes first. (Education Code 37254)
(cf. 1312.4 - Williams Uniform Complaint Procedures)
(cf. 5145.6 - Parental Notifications)
(cf. 6164.2 - Guidance/Counseling Services)
Retroactive Diplomas
The District may retroactively grant a high school diploma to a former student who was interned by order of the federal government during World War II or who is an honorably discharged veteran of World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War, provided that he/she was enrolled in a District school immediately preceding the internment or military service and he/she did not receive a diploma because his/her education was interrupted due to the internment or military service. (Education Code 51430)
The District may 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)
In addition, the District may grant a diploma to a veteran who entered the military service of the United States while he/she was a District student in grade 12 and who had completed the first half of the work required for grade 12. (Education Code 51440)
Legal Reference:
EDUCATION CODE
37252 Supplemental instructional programs
37254 Supplemental instruction based on failure to pass exit exam by end of grade 12
37254.1 Required student participation in supplemental instruction
47612 Enrollment in charter school
48200 Compulsory attendance
48412 Certificate of proficiency
48430 Continuation education schools and classes
48645.5 Acceptance of coursework
48980 Required notification at beginning of term
49701 Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children
51224 Skills and knowledge required for adult life
51224.5 Algebra instruction
51225.1 Exemption from district graduation requirements
51225.2 Pupil in foster care defined; acceptance of coursework, credits, retaking of course
51225.3 High school graduation
51225.5 Honorary diplomas; foreign exchange students
51228 Graduation requirements
51240-51246 Exemptions from requirements
51250-51251 Assistance to military dependents
51410-51412 Diplomas
51420-51427 High school equivalency certificates
51450-51455 Golden State Seal Merit Diploma
51745 Independent study restrictions
56390-56392 Recognition for educational achievement, special education
60850-60859 High school exit examination
66204 Certification of high school courses as meeting university admissions criteria
CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 5
1600-1651 Graduation of students from grade 12 and credit toward graduation
COURT DECISIONS
O'Connell v. Superior Court (Valenzuela), (2006) 141 Cal.App.4th 1452
Management Resources:
WEB SITES
CSBA: http://www.csba.org
California Department of Education, High School: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/gs/hs
University of California, List of Approved a-g Courses: http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/freshman/requirements
Policy CARLSBAD UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
adopted: July 26, 2006 Carlsbad, California
revised: March 24, 2010
revised: April 25, 2012
revised: June 19, 2013
revised: July 9, 2014
revised: August 19, 2015
revised: April 20, 2016