BP 6146.1

CENTRAL UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Fresno, California

INSTRUCTION High School Graduation Requirements Because graduation from high school provides students with opportunities for postsecondary education and/or employment, the Governing Board 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) The prescribed course of study for students in grades 9 through 12 shall include: (Education Code 51225.3)

COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS CLASS of 1999-and Beyond

Ten credits are earned for each semester class which does not alternate days. Credits are earned only if the student earns a passing grade of A, B, C, D, or P. No credits are earned when a student earns a grade of “F.” Students must pass these required classes in order to graduate. Classes failed must be repeated. Repeated core courses may only count as one class for purposes of minimum credits in an area. SUBJECT AREA Requirements Class of 2007 and later LANGUAGE ARTS 40 credits English 1 10 credits English 2 10 credits English 3 10 credits English 4 10 credits SOCIAL STUDIES 50 credits World Geography 10 credits Modern World History 10 credits U.S. History 10 credits American Government 10 credits (5 credits may fulfill state minimum requirement) Economics 10 credits (5 credits may fulfill state minimum requirement) FRESHMAN REQUIREMENTS 10 credits

BP 6146.1 (b)

CENTRAL UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Fresno, California

MATHEMATICS 30 credits* (*with successful completion of Algebra) Beginning in the 2003-2004 school year 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 1. Completion prior to grade 9 of Algebra coursework that meets or exceeds state academic content standards shall not exempt a student from the requirement to complete two mathematics courses in grades 9-12. (Education Code 51224.5) SCIENCE 30 credits* (*Life, Physical, or Integrated Sciences) PHYSICAL EDUCATION 30 credits FINE ARTS 10 credits (including Foreign Language)

TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED, INCLUDING ELECTIVES: CLASS OF 2000 and later…….…….280

ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION

REQUIREMENTS SUBJECT AREA Requirements LANGUAGE ARTS 40 credits SOCIAL STUDIES 40 credits World Geography Modern World History U.S. History American Government (5 credits) Economics (5 credits) FRESHMAN REQUIREMENTS or HEALTH 5 or 10 credits MATHEMATICS 30 credits* (*with successful completion of Algebra) SCIENCE 20 credits* (*Life, Physical, or Integrated Sciences) PHYSICAL EDUCATION 30 credits (can include written assignments)

BP 6146.1 (c)

CENTRAL UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Fresno, California

FINE ARTS 10 credits (including Foreign Language, studio arts, etc.)

TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED INCLUDING ELECTIVES: CLASS OF 2000 AND LATER………..230

WAIVERS…Any 10th, 11th or 12th grade students enrolling from out of district, may have the following credits waived: 10 credits World Geography, 10 credits Freshmen Requirement (must fulfill State Health requirement), and 20 elective credits. The superintendent or designee shall develop administrative regulations which address the process for granting any additional credit waivers. Alternative Means The Board recognizes that the prescribed course of study may not accommodate the needs of some students. The Board, with the active involvement of parents/guardians, administrators, teachers and students, shall adopt alternative means for the completion of prescribed courses, which may include: 1. Practical demonstration of skills and competencies. (cf. 6155 – Class Examinations/Challenging Courses by Examinations) 2. Work experience or other outside school experience. (cf. 6178.1 – Work Experience Education) 3. Vocational education classes offered in high schools. (cf. 6178 – Vocational Education) 4. Courses offered by regional occupational centers or programs. 5. Interdisciplinary study. 6. Independent study (cf. 6158 – Independent Study) 7. Credit earned at a postsecondary institution Requirements for graduation and specified alternative means for completing the prescribed courses of study shall be made available to students, parent/guardians and the public. (Education Code 51225.3) (cf. 6146.2 - Certificate of Proficiency/High School Equivalency)

BP 6146.1 (d)

CENTRAL UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Fresno, California

Instead of a high school diploma, a student who has met all local graduation requirements may be awarded a certificate of completion if the student has met the following requirements: 1. Satisfactorily completed a prescribed course of study approved by the Governing Board

of the district in which the student attended school

2. Has participated in and attempted to pass the California High School Exit Examination. It is the intent of the Governing Board to recognize students for fulfilling the local requirements for graduation, with the intent that the student who receives a certificate of completion will avail themselves to future administrations of the CAHSEE in order to receive a high school diploma. (cf. 5127 - Graduation Ceremonies and Activities) Foreign exchange students may receive honorary diplomas pursuant to Education Code 51225.5. (cf. 5118 – Transfers) (cf. 5127 – Graduation Ceremonies and Activities) (cf. 6146.3 – Reciprocity on Standards of Proficiency/Graduation Requirements_ (cf. 6146.11 - Alternative Credits Toward Graduation) Exit Exam for the Classes of 2006 and Later Beginning in the 2005-2006 school year each student completing grade 12 shall have successfully passed the state exit examination in language arts and mathematics 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 – Individual Education Program) (cf. 6162.52 – High School Exit Examination) Supplemental instruction shall be offered to any student who does not demonstrate "sufficient progress" toward passing the exit examination. (Education Code 37252, 60851) (cf. 6177 - Summer School) For purposes of determining eligibility for supplemental instruction, "sufficient progress" shall be determined by students’ grades and other indicators of academic achievement designated by the district. Indicators of academic achievement will include student results on: statewide Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) assessments, district Benchmark Assessments, progress grades, and instructor developed evaluations.

BP 6146.1 (e)

CENTRAL UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Fresno, California

Legal Reference:

EDUCATION CODE 37252 Summer school instructional programs 48430 Continuation education schools and classes 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 adopted: 9/25/01 Policy revised: 7/23/02; 4/04; 11/8/05