2410 Procedure – High School Graduation Requirements

Students in high school are expected to complete all requirements to be eligible for graduation. Since each student has a unique set of needs and abilities, it can be expected that the experience provided, and the amount of growth observed, will vary widely among students. In order to meet the needs of all students, the district will provide courses in a variety of settings and time frames, including extended day and summer school. However, all students must meet the minimum requirements as defined in policy.

 

I. PUBLICATION OF GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Prior to registering in high school and each year thereafter, all students and their parents or guardians will be provided with a copy of the graduation requirements in effect for that student (those in effect when the student enrolled in ninth grade). Graduation requirements may also be included in the student handbook.

II. CREDIT REQUIREMENTS

Period of Eligibility to Earn Credits
Generally, credit towards high school graduation will be earned in grades nine through twelve. However, unless requested otherwise by the student and the student鈥檚 family, the district will award high school credit towards fulfilling graduation requirements to a student who has completed high school courses while in seventh or eighth grade听if one of the following applies:

A. The course was taken with high school students, and the student successfully passed the same course requirements and examinations as the high school students enrolled in the class; or

B. The course taught at the middle school level has been determined by the district to be similar or equivalent to a course taught at the high school level.

 

Students who have taken and successfully completed high school courses under the above circumstances shall not be required to take an additional competency examination or perform any other additional assignment to receive credit.

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Awarding of High School Credit

The district will award high school credit for successful completion of a specified unit of study. A student successfully completes a specified unit of study by doing one of the following:

 

A. Earning a passing grade;

B. Demonstrating proficiency or mastery of content standards as determined by the district; or

C. Successfully completing an established number of hours of planned instructional activities to be determined by the district. (See Policy 2415)

 

Credits from Other Programs

The principal or designee is responsible for determining which credits will be recognized by the district for students enrolling from another state approved learning program (public school, approved private school, or home school), or from out-of-state, or out-of-country. The district will accept credits from another Washington public school or accredited state private school or accredited out-of-state public or private school to the extent the credit matches a district graduation requirement or may be counted as an elective credit.

 

Transcripts that indicate a course schedule different from that used in Bellingham鈥8 credits per year total available; course competence demonstrated each semester, each course representing .5 credit for each of two semesters鈥攚ill be adjusted so that the number of credits required for graduation meets the district requirements. (For example, courses taken on a trimester schedule will be adjusted to match our semester schedule by multiplying credits by .75). Any adjustments to transfer credits will be shown on the student transcript and communicated in writing to the student and parent during that student鈥檚 first semester in the Bellingham Public Schools.

The district will evaluate credits from unaccredited programs or home schools as described in Policy 2415

 

Total Number of Credits Required

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Class of: 2018 2019 2020 2021 and beyond
Entering 9th grade after July 1 of: 2014 2015 2016 2017
English 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0
Mathematics 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Science 2.0 3.0 (2.0) 3.0 (2.0) 3.0
Social Studies 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Arts 1.0 1.5* (1.0) 2.0 (1.0) 2.0
Physical Education 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5
Health 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Occupational/Career and Tech Ed 1.0 1.0 1.5 (1.0) 1.5
World Language 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Electives 6.5 (5.0) 7.0 (5.0) 7.5 (5.0) 9.5
Total Required Credits: 24.5*(23.0) 26.5**(23.0 28.0***(23.0) 30.0

 

* Students entering 9th grade after July 1 of 2014: 24.5 credits expected, 23 required

** Students entering 9th grade after July 1 of 2015: 26.5 expected, 23 required

*** Students entering 9th grade after July 1 of 2016: 28 expected, 23 required

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Subject Area Credit Requirements and Approved Courses for the Class of 2018

The following courses are approved for satisfying the subject area requirements as established by the State Board of Education and shall be required of each candidate for graduation:

  1. English: 4.0 credits are required, including English 9, English 10, and other courses in English.
  2. Math: 3.0 credits are required, including Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2. (Algebra 2 requirement may be met by another third-year math course that is based on student interest and High School and Beyond Plan, including parent/guardian signature.)
  3. Science: 2.0 credits are required, including two years of lab sciences.
  4. Social Studies: 3.0 credits are required, including 1.0 credit in Contemporary World History, 1.0 credit in U.S. History, 0.5 credit in Civics, and 0.5 credit in a social studies elective.
  5. Arts: 1.0 credit is required in music, art or drama.
  6. Health and Fitness: 2.0 credits are required, including 0.5 credit in Health and 1.5 credits in physical education.
  7. Occupational/CTE: 1.0 credit is required in courses that fulfill the Occupational Education or Career and Technical Education requirement.
  8. World Language: 2.0 credits are required, satisfying two consecutive years in the same language.
  9. Electives: 6.5 credits are expected (5 required).
  10. Washington State History [non-credit]

Total number of credits expected for the Class of 2018: 听24.5 (23 required)

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Subject Area Credit Requirements and Approved Courses for the Class of 2019

The following courses are approved for satisfying the subject area requirements as established by the State Board of Education and shall be required of each candidate for graduation:

  1. English: 4.0 credits are required, including English 9, English 10 or English 201, and other courses in English.
  2. Math: 3.0 credits are required, including Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2. (Algebra 2 requirement may be met by another third-year math course that is based on student interest and High School and Beyond Plan, including parent/guardian signature.)
  3. Science: 3.0 credits are expected (2 required), including two years of lab sciences.
  4. Social Studies: 3.0 credits are required, including 1.0 credit in Contemporary World History, 1.0 credit in U.S. History, 0.5 credit in Civics, and 0.5 credit in a social studies elective.
  5. Arts: 1.5 credits are expected (1.0 required) in music, art or drama.
  6. Health and Fitness: 2.0 credits are required, including 0.5 credit in Health and 1.5 credits in physical education. *
  7. Occupational/CTE: 1.0 credit is required in courses that fulfill the Occupational Education or Career and Technical Education requirement.
  8. World Language: 2.0 credits are required, satisfying two consecutive years in the same language.
  9. Electives: 7.0 credits are expected (5.0 required).
  10. Washington State History [non-credit]

Total number of credits expected for the Class of 2019: 听26.5 (23 required)

 

Subject Area Credit Requirements and Approved Courses for the Class of 2020

The following courses are approved for satisfying the subject area requirements as established by the State Board of Education and shall be required of each candidate for graduation:

  1. English: 4.0 credits are required, including English 9, English 10 or English 201, and other courses in English.
  2. Math: 3.0 credits are required, including Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2. The Algebra 2 requirement may be met by another third-year math course that is based on student interest and High School and Beyond Plan, including parent/guardian signature.
  3. Science: 3.0 credits are expected (2.0 required), including two years of lab sciences. The third credit is based on student interest and High School and Beyond Plan.
  4. Social Studies: 3.0 credits are required, including 1.0 credit in Contemporary World History, 1.0 credit in U.S. History, 0.5 credit in Civics, and 0.5 credit in a social studies elective.
  5. Arts: 2.0 credits are expected (1.0 required) in music, art or drama.
  6. Health and Fitness: 2.0 credits are required, including 0.5 credit in Health and 1.5 credits in physical education. *
  7. Career and Technical Education: 1.5 credits are expected (1.0 required), from STEM, Business and Marketing, Family and Consumer Science, Health Science or Agricultural Science courses.
  8. World Language: 2.0 credits are required, satisfying two consecutive years in the same language.
  9. Electives: 7.5 credits are expected (5.0 required).
  10. Washington State History [non-credit]

Total number of credits expected for the Class of 2020: 听28.0 (23 required)

Subject Area Credit Requirements and Approved Courses for the Class of 2021 and 2022

The following courses are approved for satisfying the subject area requirements as established by the State Board of Education and shall be required of each candidate for graduation:

  1. English: 4.0 credits are required, including English 101, English 201, and other courses in English.
  2. Math: 3.0 credits are required, including Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2. The Algebra 2 requirement may be met by another third-year math course that is based on student interest and High School and Beyond Plan, including parent/guardian signature.
  3. Science: 3.0 credits are required including two years of lab sciences, with the recommended sequence of 1.0 credit in Biology, 1.0 credit in Chemistry, and 1.0 credit in Physics. Credits may be met by other science courses, based on High School and Beyond Plan, including parent/guardian signature.
  4. Social Studies: 3.0 credits are required, including 1.0 credit in Contemporary World History, 1.0 credit in U.S. History, 0.5 credit in Civics, and 0.5 credit in a social studies elective.
  5. Arts: 2.0 credits are required in music, art or drama. One credit may be a Personalized Pathway Requirement.
  6. Health and Fitness: 2.0 credits are required, including 0.5 credit in Health and 1.5 credits in physical education. *
  7. Career and Technical Education: 1.5 credits are required, from STEM, Business and Marketing, Family and Consumer Science, Health Science or Agricultural Science courses, including .5 credit from required Tech Literacy course.
  8. World Language: 2.0 credits are required, satisfying two consecutive years in the same language. Both credits may be a Personalized Pathway Requirement.
  9. Electives: 9.5 credits are required.
  10. Washington State History [non-credit]

Total number of credits required for the Class of 2021 and 2022: 听30.0

*Per Chapter 28A.231 RCW, each school district must offer instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in at least one health class required for graduation. The CPR instruction must have been developed by the American Heart of Association or the American Red Cross or be nationally recognized based on the most current national guidelines for CPR. The instruction must include use of automated external defibrillators (AED) which may be taught by video. The district may provide the CPR instruction directly or arrange it through community-based providers such as the local fire department. Students are not required to earn CPR certification for successful completion of the instruction.

 

Two-for-One Policy for Career and Technical Education (CTE) Courses

The 鈥渢wo-for-one鈥 policy is a rule change (WAC 180-51-067) in effect for students beginning with the graduating class of 2016.听 Students who take CTE-equivalent courses may satisfy two graduation requirements while earning one credit for a single course; hence, 鈥渢wo-for-one.鈥澨 The purpose of this policy is to create flexibility for students to choose more elective courses or to address other graduation requirements.

 

Credit Retrieval Based on State Exam Proficiencies

State Assessment Achievement Previously Failed Course Eligible for Credit Retrieval Credit Retrieved
Smarter Balanced ELA at the graduation cut score or higher 鈥 administered during school year 2018 or later English 9/English 101 or English 10/English 201 Up to 1.0
Smarter Balanced ELA at College & Career Ready level 3 or 4 鈥 administered during the school years 2015 to 2017 Any English course Up to 1.0
Smarter Balanced Math at the graduation cut score or higher 鈥 administered during school year 2018 or later Algebra 1 or Geometry Up to 1.0
Smarter Balanced Math at College & Career Ready level 3 or 4 鈥 administered during the school years 2015 to 2017 Any math course Algebra 2 or lower Up to 1.0
Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science at level 3 or 4 Biology, Chemistry or Physics Up to 1.0

 

  • Meeting standard at CIA Cut Score (Level 2/Basic) may apply for students with an IEP where proficiency is designated at the basic level, in which case the credits at the exit exam score shown above also apply.
  • Previously failed courses remain on transcript and retain the grade of 鈥淔.鈥
  • Retrieved credit receives an 鈥淧鈥 on transcript and meets appropriate graduation requirement.
  • Teachers retain the option to change student grades (WAC 180-44-010). However, the combination of grade changes and credits retrieved due to passing state exams may not result in students earning more than 1.0 total credits for that course requirement.

Running Start

The Running Start program allows high school juniors and seniors to attend community college classes (100 level or above) for part or all of their schedule. Students must be of junior standing or above to be eligible for the program. Students earn college credit, which is also converted and applied to their high school transcript.

In order to enroll in the Running Start program, students need to do the following:

  1. Pick up a Running Start information packet in your Counseling or Career Center and attend the Running Start information session for Bellingham Technical College or Whatcom Community College. Running Start is available to juniors and seniors.
  2. Apply for admission. Depending on the institution, you may need to take a placement test to ensure you have the academic foundation for success.听 You are able to apply on-line or in person.
  3. Meet with your High School counselor to ensure Running Start is an appropriate choice and that your course choices will contribute to on-time graduation. You will obtain a Running Start authorization form.
  4. Meet with the Running Start advisor/counselor at the institution you wish to attend and register for classes. Once you register for classes, you will need to pay for the associated Running Start fees (see their website or Running Start packet).
  5. Attend the Running Start orientation session prior to beginning classes.

 

Credit for Career and Technical Work-Based Learning

The district regards work experience as a part of the educational program of students听as part of the secondary school curriculum rather than just a device to relieve a staffing shortage. The district may grant credit for work experience based upon the following factors:

  1. The school will supervise the work program.
  2. The work experience will specifically relate to the student鈥檚 school program.
  3. The work experience will represent growth in the student, and the type of work will have definite educational value.
  4. The work experience will provide a varied job experience.
  5. The career placement counselor will supplement the work experience with an adequate program of guidance, placement, follow-up, and coordination between job and school.
  6. The work experience may be a planned part of the credit given for a school subject (e.g., sales training class).
  7. The district may grant one credit for not less than one hundred eighty hours for instructional work-based learning experience and not less than three hundred sixty hours of cooperative work-based learning experience related to a student鈥檚 school program.
  8. The employer will legally employ the student who must have be at least sixteen years old.
  9. The employer will file a report of the student’s work record with the school, indicating the student made satisfactory progress on the job.
  10. The regular state apprenticeship program and school cooperatively develop the student鈥檚 training, which meets graduation requirements standards.
  11. The program standards and procedures align with the state career and technical work-based learning standards.

 

III. HIGH SCHOOL AND BEYOND PLAN REQUIREMENT

Each student must have a high school and beyond plan to guide the student鈥檚 high school experience and inform course taking that is aligned with the student鈥檚 goals for education or training and career after high school.

 

High school and beyond plans must be initiated for students during the seventh or eighth grade to guide their high school experience and prepare them for postsecondary education or training and their careers. In preparation for initiating a high school and beyond plan, each student must first be administered a career interest and skills inventory.

 

The district encourages parents and guardians to be involved in the process of developing an updating students鈥 high school and beyond plans. Students鈥 plans will be provided to students鈥 parents or guardians in their native language if that language is one of the two most frequently spoken non-English languages of students in the district.

 

School staff will update students鈥 plans to reflect high school assessment results and revised as necessary for changing interests, goals, and needs. Each student鈥檚 high school and beyond plan will be updated to inform junior year course taking.

 

For students with an individualized education program (IEP), the high school and beyond plan must be developed and updated in alignment with their IEP, but in a similar manner and with similar school personnel as for all other students.

 

All high school and beyond plans will, at a minimum, include the following:

 

A. Identification of career goals, aided by a skills and interest assessment;

B. Identification of educational goals;

C. Identification of dual credit programs and the opportunities they create for students, including eligibility for automatic enrollment in advanced classes under RCW 28A.320.195, career and technical education programs, running start programs, AP courses, international baccalaureate programs, and college in the high school programs;

D. Information about the college bound scholarship program established in chapter 28B.118 RCW;

E. A four-year plan for course taking that does the following:

  1. Includes information about options for satisfying state and local graduation requirements;
  2. Satisfies state and local graduation requirements;
  3. Aligns with the student鈥檚 secondary and postsecondary goals, which can include education, training, and career;
  4. Identifies course sequences to inform academic acceleration, as described in RCW 28A.320.195, that include dual credit courses or programs and are aligned with the student鈥檚 goals;
  5. Includes information about the college bound scholarship program; and
  6. Evidence that the student has received the following information on federal and state financial aid programs that help pay for the costs of a postsecondary program:

i. Information about the documentation necessary for completing the applications; application timelines and submission deadlines; the importance of submitting applications early; information specific to student who are or have been in foster care; information specific to students who are, or are at risk of being, homeless; information specific to students whose family member or guardians will be required to provide financial and tax information necessary to complete the application; and

ii. Opportunities to participate in sessions that assist students and, when necessary, their family members or guardians, fill out financial aid applications.

F. By the end of the twelfth grade, a current resume or activity log that provides a written compilation of the student鈥檚 education, any work experience, and any community service and how the school district has recognized the community service.

 

IV. GRADUATION PATHWAY OPTIONS

A student may choose to pursue one or more of the pathway options described below to demonstrate career and college readiness as long as the option chosen is in alignment with the student鈥檚 high school and beyond plan.

 

Statewide High School Assessment

A student may demonstrate career and college readiness by meeting or exceeding the graduation standard established by the State Board of Education on the statewide high school assessments in English language arts and mathematics.

 

Dual Credit Courses

A student may demonstrate career and college readiness by completing and qualifying for college credit in dual credit courses in English language arts and mathematics. A dual credit course is a course in which a student qualifies for college and high school credit upon successfully completing the course.

 

High School Transition Courses

A student may demonstrate career and college readiness by earning high school credit in a high school transition course in English language arts and mathematics. A high school transition course is a course offered in high school were successful completion by a high school student ensures the student college-level placement at participating institutions of higher education as defined in RCW 28B.10.016. High school transition courses must satisfy core or elective credit graduation requirements established by the State Board of Education.

 

AP Courses and International Baccalaureate Programs

A student may demonstrate career and college readiness by earning high school credit, with a C+ grade, or receiving a three or higher on the AP exam, or equivalent, in AP, international baccalaureate, or Cambridge international courses in English language arts and mathematics; or receiving a four or higher on international baccalaureate exams.

 

For English language arts, successfully completing any of the following courses meets the standard: AP Language and Composition, AP Literature and Composition, AP microeconomics, AP psychology, AP United States history, AP world history, AP United States government and politics, AP comparative government and politics, and any of the international baccalaureate individuals and societies courses.

 

For mathematics, successfully completing any of the following courses meets the standard: AP statistics, AP computer science, AP computer science principals, AP calculus, and any of the international baccalaureate mathematics courses.

 

SAT or ACT Scores

A student may demonstrate career and college readiness by meeting or exceeding the scores established by the state board of education for the mathematics portion and the reading, English, or writing portion of the SAT or ACT.

 

Combination of Options

A student may demonstrate career and college readiness by meeting any combination of at least one English language arts option and at least one mathematics option described above.

 

Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery

A student may demonstrate career and college readiness by meeting standard in the armed services vocational aptitude battery.

 

Career and Technical Education Courses

A student may demonstrate career and college readiness by completing a sequence of career and technical education courses that are relevant to a student鈥檚 postsecondary pathway that meet either the curriculum requirements of core plus programs for aerospace, maritime, health care, information technology, or construction and manufacturing; or the minimum criteria identified in RCW 28A.700.030.

 

Expedited Appeal Process for Waiving Student Assessment Requirements

For the graduating classes of 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020, an expedited appeal process for waiving specific requirements in RCW 28A.655.061 pertaining to the certificate of academic achievement and the certificate of individual achievement is available for eligible students who have not met the state standard on the English language arts statewide student assessment, the mathematics high school statewide student assessment, or both. The student or the student鈥檚 parent, guardian, or principal may initiate an appeal with the district and the district has the authority to determine which appeals to submit to the superintendent of public instruction for review and approval.

 

A student in the class of 2014, 2015, 2016, or 2017 is eligible for the expedited appeal process if he or she has met all other graduation requirements established by the state and district.

 

A student in the class of 2018 is eligible for the expedited appeal process if he or she has met all other graduation requirements established by the state and district and has attempted at least one alternative assessment option as established in RCW 28A.655.065.

 

This expedited appeal process will no longer be available after August 31, 2022.

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V. WAIVER OF GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

The principal, working with the superintendent or designee, is responsible for evaluating educational experiences of individual students and recommending graduation to the superintendent when a student has not met established credit requirements.

When a student transfers from another high school, the student may be permitted to graduate with a lesser number of credits provided that minimum state course and credit requirements are satisfied, and the student successfully passes a full schedule of classes during their 12th year of school.

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Students who demonstrate a satisfactory level of proficiency may be exempted for a specific course as listed below. In all cases, the student will NOT receive credit. The requirement is waived, and the student can select another course to fulfill the total number of credits required for graduation.

 

Health and Fitness Credit Waivers

The 一本道app commits to developing students who are healthy and active individuals.听 The goal of physical education is to develop physically literate individuals who have the knowledge, skills and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthful physical activity.听 Students develop the physical literacy 鈥 knowledge, skills and confidence 鈥 they need to grow into healthy and active individuals in physical education classes.听 The State of Washington requires 2.0 credits of health and fitness for high school graduation.

 

The principal may waive 0.5 credits of Health upon the student鈥檚 completion of district-developed assessment or successful completion of course learning modules.

 

Students may be excused from physical education pursuant to RCW 28A.230.050.听 Students who demonstrate competency and complete the physical education waiver process may have this graduation requirement waived.

 

The principal may waive up to 1.5 credits upon documentation of 240 hours (80 hours for each .5 credit) in accordance with RCW 28A.230.050.

  • Classes of 2017-2020: Documentation must include signature of coach or instructor, some form of performance evidence (e.g., video, team roster, publicity) and an activity log (Form 2410-2).
  • Classes of 2021 and Beyond: Complete Forms 2410F-1, 2410F-2, 2410F-3.

 

Math Third Credit Waiver

Students may elect to pursue a third math credit after Algebra and Geometry that is not Algebra 2 or equivalent, based on a course of study identified in the student鈥檚 Personalized Pathway and High School and Beyond Plan.

 

For the principal to waive the 1.0 credit requirement of Algebra 2 or equivalent, the student, the parent/guardian, and high school representative must meet to discuss and sign the High School Math Waiver Form 2410-5.

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Technical Literacy Waiver

Students may choose to challenge the Technical Literacy graduation requirement for the class of 2021 and beyond. Form 2410-7 articulates the level of technical aptitude that would grant approval. The challenge is competency based, utilizing Microsoft Office Specialist exams, keyboarding proficiency, and digital citizenship education.

 

Washington History and Government

The principal may waive this noncredit requirement for 11th and 12th grade students who transfer from another state who have completed 10th grade, not yet started 11th grade, and who have or will have earned two credits in social studies.听 (WAC 180-51-085[c]).

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World Language Alternative Credit Option

Students may elect to pursue two credits in areas other than a world language if the choice is based on a career-oriented course of study identified in the student鈥檚 Personalized Pathway and

 

High School and Beyond Plan and district waiver process.听 They still need to earn both credits in alternate courses.

 

To use this option, the student鈥檚 parent/guardian must agree that credit in another area is more appropriate than World Language because it better serves the student鈥檚 career goals.听 A meeting must be held with the student, the parent/guardian, and high school representative to discuss and sign the Request for Alternatives to World Language Courses Form 2410F-4.听 This form acknowledges they understand the World Language requirement is a college entrance requirement and that they believe the other course selections are more appropriate given the student鈥檚 educational and career goals.

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World Language Waiver

Students may request to have the world language requirement waived by the principal if the student has transferred from a program where world languages were not required or offered and the student does not have the ability to complete the full two-year requirement prior to the end of their senior year. Transfer students in this situation will be expected to complete as much of the world language requirement as is possible prior to graduating from Bellingham Public Schools.

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To be awarded the Washington Seal of Biliteracy, graduating high school students must meet the following criteria:

 

A. Demonstrate proficiency in English by (1) meeting statewide minimum graduation requirements in English as established by the Washington State Board of Education and (2) meeting state standards on the reading and writing or English language arts assessment; and

B. Demonstrate proficiency in one or more world language. For purposes of this section, 鈥渨orld language鈥 is defined as a language other than English, including American Sign Language, Latin, and Native American or other indigenous languages or dialects. Proficiency may be demonstrated by:

    1. Passing a foreign language Advanced Placement exam with a score of 3 or higher;
    2. Passing an International Baccalaureate exam with a score of 4 or higher;
    3. Demonstrating intermediate-mid level or higher proficiency on the American Council on Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) guidelines using assessments approved by OSPI for competency-based credits; and demonstrating proficiency using reading assessments approved by OSPI (when developed);
    4. Qualifying for four competency-based credits by demonstrating proficiency in speaking, writing, and reading the world language at intermediate-mid level or higher on the ACTFL proficiency guidelines according to Policy 2409, Credit for Competency-Proficiency; or
    5. Demonstrating proficiency in speaking, writing, and reading the world language through other national or international assessments approved by OSPI.

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VII. STUDENTS WITH AN INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PROGRAM (IEP)

A student鈥檚 IEP team must determine whether the graduation pathway options described above are appropriate for the student. If the IEP team determines that those options are not appropriate, then the student must earn a certificate of individual achievement to graduate. A certificate of individual achievement may be earned by using multiple measures to demonstrate skills and abilities commensurate with the students IEP.

 

The following process will be followed to help a student with an IEP graduate:

By the age of 14, the student will participate with the IEP Team (including a special education teacher, general education teacher, parents, student, and other school personnel and agency representatives who will assist the student in achieving the goals of the IEP) in a discussion of transition service needs that focuses on the student鈥檚 course of study.

A. As an outcome of the discussion, the IEP will include appropriate graduation requirements based on the student鈥檚 individual needs and abilities consistent with the student鈥檚 transition plan. Modifications to the district鈥檚 standard graduation requirements may include:

    1. Attainable alternate classwork or individualized activities substituted for standard requirements;
    2. A statement of waiver for any waived standard graduation requirements; or
    3. An extension of time for the student to remain in school to complete graduation requirements. The student may remain in school up to and including the school year in which the student reaches twenty-one years of age.

B. The student will, in cooperation with their parent or guardian and the IEP team, determine:

      1. The projected date by which all graduation requirements will be met;听and
      2. The projected date and conditions under which the student will participate in the graduation ceremony.

C. The student will have an IEP that incorporates all issues and decisions from the above procedures. Any decision that modifies the district鈥檚 standard graduation requirements will be made through the IEP process.听 听 Annually or as needed, the IEP will be reviewed or revised to accommodate the student鈥檚 progress and development.

 

VIII. GRADUATION CEREMONIES

If students fulfill graduation requirements by the end of the last term of their senior year, they may participate in graduation ceremonies. Each student will be awarded a diploma after satisfactorily completing local and state requirements. Upon request, each graduating student听will receive a final transcript. Each student will be notified of this opportunity at least one month prior to the close of the school term.

 

Any student receiving services under an IEP who will continue to receive such services between the ages of 18 and 21 will be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremonies and activities after four years of high school attendance with his or her age-appropriate peers and receive a certificate of attendance.

 

Participation in graduation ceremonies under this section shall not: (1) preclude a student from continuing to receive special education and related services under an individualized education program beyond the graduation ceremony, or (2) be construed as the student鈥檚 receipt of either a high school diploma under RCW 28A.230.120 or a certificate of individual achievement under RCW 28A.155.045.

 

IX. WITHOLDING OF A DIPLOMA

The district may withhold a student’s diploma or transcript听until the student pays for any school property the student has lost or willfully damaged. Upon payment for damages, or the equivalency/restitution the district will release the diploma or transcript.

 

In the event that the district has imposed other forms of corrective action for violations of school rules, the district may deny the student鈥檚 participation in graduation ceremonies. Such exclusion from graduation ceremonies is regarded as a school suspension. In such instances, the district will grant the diploma.

 

Adopted/Previous Revisions: 03/22/04; 04/26/07: 3/09/17: 04/17/17
Updated: 10/16/19