The Board of Education desires to prepare all students to obtain a high school diploma to enable them to take advantage of opportunities for postsecondary education and employment.
(cf. 5127 - Graduation Ceremonies and Activities)
(cf. 5147 - Dropout Prevention)
(cf. 6143 - Courses of Study)
(cf. 6146.3 - Reciprocity of Academic Credit)
Students shall complete the following requirements in order to receive a diploma of graduation:
1. Total credits required: 220
2. Required courses:
(One year = 10 credits)
Graduation Requirements
English 4 years 40 credits
World History 1 year 10 credits
U.S. History 1 year 10 credits
U.S. Government 1/2 year 5 credits
Economics 1/2 year 5 credits
Mathematics 3 years 30 credits
Science 2 years 20 credits
One Life Science and one
Physical Science required.
Physical Education 2 years 20 credits
Visual/Performing Arts 1 year 10 credits
Foreign Language** 1 year 10 credits
Elective Courses 60 credits
TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED 220 credits
** UC/CSU requires two years and recommends three years of foreign language; requires one year and recommends two years of visual/performing arts.
These requirements effective 2012-2013 school year.
3. Pass Algebra 1 course of study. At least one mathematics course shall meet or exceed state academic content standards for Algebra I. Completion of such coursework prior to grade 9 shall satisfy the Algebra I requirement, but shall not exempt a student from the requirement to complete two mathematics courses in grades 9-12. (Education Code 51224.5)
Students may be awarded up to one mathematics course credit for successful completion of an approved computer science course that is classified as a "category c" course based on the "a-g" course requirements for college admission. (Education Code 51225.3, 51225.35)
(cf. 6011 - Academic Standards)
(cf. 6142.92 - Mathematics Instruction)
(cf. 6152.1 - Placement in Mathematics Courses)
4. Two courses in physical education are required, unless the student has been otherwise exempted pursuant to other sections of the Education Code (Education Code 51225.3)
(cf. 6142.7 - Physical Education and Activity)
5. 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 in accordance with law.
(cf. 6146.11 - Alternative Credits Toward Graduation)
(cf. 6146.2 - Certificate of Proficiency/High School Equivalency)
(cf. 6146.4 - Differential Graduation and Competency Standards for Students with Disabilities)
6. The Superintendent or designee shall exempt or waive specific course requirements for foster youth, homeless students, and children of military families in accordance with Education Code 51225.1 and 49701.
(cf. 6173 - Education for Homeless Children)
(cf. 6173.1 - Education for Foster Youth)
(cf. 6173.2 - Education for Children of Military Families)
Retroactive Diplomas
7. Until July 31, 2018, any student who completed grade 12 in the 2003-04 school year or a subsequent school year and has met all applicable graduation requirements other than the passage of the high school exit examination shall be granted a high school diploma. (Education Code 60851.6)
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. A deceased former student who satisfies these conditions may be granted a retroactive diploma to be received by his/her 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
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
51225.35 Mathematics course requirements; computer science
51225.36 Instruction in sexual harassment and violence; districts that require health education for 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
60851.5 Suspension of high school exit examination
60851.6 Retroactive diploma; completion of all graduation requirements except high school exit examination
66204 Certification of high school courses as meeting university admissions criteria
67386 Student safety; affirmative consent standard
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
** State of California graduation requirement
Policy LYNWOOD UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
adopted: February 26, 2013 Lynwood, California
revised: March 22, 2016