The Governing Board is dedicated to the concept that each student's educational progress and qualifications for graduation be judged on his/her competency and capacity to learn and make reasonable progress in designated skill and knowledge areas. In addition, successful completion of course and course unit equivalents and length of time for instruction will be required.
Graduation will be authorized by the Board and a diploma will be granted to all students who have acquired 230 units of credit from the adopted Course of Study during grades 9-12, met all other specific graduation requirements listed below, and who have successfully passed the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE).
The 230 units of credit shall include the following:
Subject/Credits/Specific Requirements
English 40 Credits
* Must be enrolled in a content-standards based English course every semester of high school attendance.
* A maximum of 30 credits may be earned by passing English Language Development (ELD) courses.
* 10 of the 40 credits must be satisfied by passing Composition-Literature 4AB or equivalent.
Math 20 Credits
* Successful completion of first-year Algebra is required for graduation from high school.
* Passing Algebra prior to high school attendance fulfills the Algebra requirement but no high school credit will be granted.
Applied Skills 5 Credits
* Applied skills includes any course that is part of a Career Technical Education (CTE) pathway, an occupation related course, ROP courses, or a third year of Science or Math with 10 credits minimum.
Science 20 Credits
* 10 credits in Life Science, and
* 10 credits in Physical Science
Humanities 10 Credits
World Languages,
Visual or Performing Arts
* World Languages,
* American Sign Language,
* Communication Skills/Speech,
* Visual or Performing Arts.
Social Studies 30 Credits
Must include the following:
* One year of World History or European History;
* One year of United States History;
* One semester of American Democracy and one semester of Economics
Health Education 5 Credits
* Includes all State requirements.
Physical Education 20 Credits
* Must be taken in the first two semesters of high school.
* The remaining two semesters may be taken at any time during grades 10, 11, or 12.
Electives 80 Credits
* Additional courses taken in required areas beyond the required credits will automatically be counted as electives.
Technology
* Beginning with the graduating class of 2015, this requirement may only be met by passing the Technology Literacy Assessment test.
* For the graduating Classes prior to the class of 2015, this requirement may be met by completion of a course (minimum 1 quarter), demonstration, or by passing the Technology Literacy Assessment test.
* Passing the Technology Literacy Assessment test prior to entering high school fulfills this requirement.
Community Service (See Exhibit E(2) 6146.1)
The community service requirement must include at least the following components:
* At least 40 service hours in total (recommended that students do 10 hours each year.)
* Each school will record the community service hours completed by each of their students.
* Work must be done for a non-profit organization.
* All work will be completed outside the school day, and students may not receive classroom or academic credit or monetary compensation.
* Work to help family members or other relatives does not qualify as district community service.
* The parent of each student must complete a district approval/liability waiver form.
* Students may receive credit for services they are already performing for non-profit agencies.
Project Demonstration/Performance Requirement (See Exhibit E(1) 6146.1)
The Senior Project requirements must include at least the following components:
* The Senior Project will affirm attainment of the school ESLRs and culminate in the senior year.
* The Senior Project will include a "hands-on" project, demonstration, or exhibition.
* The Senior Project will include a written assignment correlated with the project, demonstration, or exhibition.
* The Senior Project will include an oral presentation focusing on the project, demonstration, or exhibition.
* Each school will establish and publish specific parameters for the Senior Projects.
* Each school shall develop procedures for the approval of project activities.
Alternate Ways to Meet Graduation Requirements
* Alternate ways to meet graduation requirements will be accepted if the course of study includes the State subject content standards and has been adopted by the Board of Education.
* Requests to meet graduation requirements through alternative course work must be approved in advance.
Total Credits = 230
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)
High School Exit Examination
As a condition of high school graduation, 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. (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 BP 6179 - Supplemental Instruction, toward passing the exit exam. (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)
Legal Reference:
EDUCATION CODE
35186 Williams Uniform Complaint Procedures
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
49701 Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children
51224 Skills and knowledge required for adult life
51224.5 Algebra instruction
51225.3 Requirements for graduation
51225.5 Honorary diplomas; foreign exchange students
51228 Graduation requirements
51240-51246 Exemptions from requirements
51250-51251 Assistance to military dependents
51420-51427 High school equivalency certificates
51450-51455 Golden State Seal Merit Diploma
51745 Independent study restrictions
52378 Supplemental school counseling program
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, California High School Exit Examination: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/hs
Policy NEWPORT-MESA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
adopted: February 23, 2010 Costa Mesa, California