| Palos Verdes Peninsula
Board Policy BP 6146.1 Instruction
High School Graduation Requirements Because graduation from high school provides students with opportunities for postsecondary education and/or employment, the Board of Education desires to prepare each student to obtain a diploma of high school graduation.
(cf. 0420.3 - School-Based Student Motivation and Maintenance Program) (cf. 5123 - Promotion/Acceleration/Retention) (cf. 5127 - Graduation Ceremonies and Activities) (cf. 5147 - Dropout Prevention) (cf. 5149 - At-Risk Students) (cf. 6164.2 - Guidance/Counseling Services) (cf. 6146.5 - Elementary/Middle School Graduation Requirements)
Course Requirements
To obtain a diploma of graduation from high school, students shall complete at least the following courses in grades 9 through 12, with each course being one year unless otherwise specified: (Education Code 51225.3)
1. Three courses in English
(cf. 6142.91 - Reading/Language Arts Instruction)
2. Two courses in mathematics
Beginning in the 2003-04 school year, a student who completes coursework in grades 7 through 12 that meets or exceeds state academic content standards for Algebra I in less than two courses shall be considered to have met the requirement and shall not be required to complete additional coursework in mathematics. (Education Code 51224.5)
(cf. 6011 - Academic Standards) (cf. 6142.92 - Mathematics Instruction)
3. Two courses in science, including biological and physical sciences
(cf. 6142.93 - Science Instruction)
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
(cf. 6142.6 - Visual and Performing Arts Education)
6. Two courses in physical education, unless the student has been exempted pursuant to Education Code 51241
(cf. 6142.7 - Physical Education)
7. Three quarters of Health Education
8. One quarter of Drivers Education
(cf. 5118 - Transfers) (cf. 5125 - Student Records) (cf. 6011 - Academic Standards) (cf. 6143 - Courses of Study) (cf. 6146.3 - Reciprocity of Academic Credit)
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)
Standards of Proficiency for the Classes of 2004
To receive a high school diploma, district students also must achieve at least minimum proficiency in reading comprehension, writing and mathematics. The Board shall adopt proficiency standards in these areas and any others it deems appropriate. All adopted proficiency standards shall correspond with the goals of the course of study required for graduation.
(cf. 6011 - Academic Standards)
Student progress toward proficiency in basic skills shall be assessed in English once during grads 7 through 9 and twice during grades 10 and 11. A separate assessment shall be made of the student's proficiency in each skill area.
Remedial instruction shall be provided to any student who does not show adequate progress toward mastery of basic skill. This instruction may be provided in summer school and shall offer the student numerous opportunities to achieve mastery.
When a student does not show adequate progress, the Superintendent or designee shall inform a student's parent/guardian in writing that the student shall not receive a high school diploma unless the prescribed standards are met.
Exit Exam for the Classes of 2004 and Later
Beginning in the 2003-04 school year and each year thereafter, each student completing grade 12 shall successfully pass the state exit examinations in language arts and mathematics as a condition of high school graduation. Students may take the exit examination in grade 9 beginning in the 2000-01 school year. Beginning in 2001-02, students shall take the exit examination in grade 10 and may take the examination during each subsequent administration until each section of the examination has been passed. (Education Code 60851)
(cf. 6146.4 - Differential Graduation and Competency Standards for Students with Disabilities) (cf. 6159 - Individualized Education Program) (cf. 6162.5 - Student Assessment)
Supplemental instruction shall be offered to any student who does not demonstrate "sufficient progress" toward passing the exit examination. (Education Code 37252, 60851)
(cf. 6176 - Weekend/Saturday Classes) (cf. 6177 - Summer School) (cf. 6179 - Supplemental Instruction)
Legal Reference: EDUCATION CODE 37252 Summer school instructional programs 48430 Continuation education schools and classes 48980 Notification of parent/guardian 51224 Skills and knowledge required for adult life 51225.3 Requirements for graduation 51225.5 Honorary diplomas; foreign exchange students 51230 American government and civics 51240-51246 Exemptions from requirements 51410-51411 Diplomas 51420-51442 High school equivalency certificates 51450-51455 Golden State Seal Merit Diploma 60850-60856 High school exit exam CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 5 1600-1651 Graduation of pupils from grade 12 and credit toward graduation COURT DECISIONS Debra P. v Turlington, 730 F.2d 1405 (1984)
Management Resources: WEB SITES CDE: http://www.cde.ca.gov CSBA: http://www.csba.org
Policy PALOS VERDES PENINSULA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT adopted: May 24, 2001 Palos Verdes Estates, California |