File:  IKF - Graduation Requirements

In pursuit of its mission to ensure that all students reach their learning potential, the Board of Education has established the following graduation requirements.

State and district academic standards

All students must meet or exceed state and district academic standards prior to becoming eligible to graduate or complete the requirements and goals as listed on a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP), which may include modified academic content standards.

Graduation from high school is a culminating event that results from the foundations built at the elementary and middle levels. Graduation is a collaborative effort among levels in a student's public school career. Each level of school and each staff member or parent/guardian who instructs or counsels a student shares responsibility for the ultimate ability of that student to demonstrate proficiency in the academic standards and to meet the expectations for graduation.

Units of credit needed- For the class of 2017

A total of 26 credits earned during grades nine through twelve are required for graduation. A credit is defined as the amount of credit given for the successful completion of a course in which the student has been enrolled. Successful completion means that the student obtained a passing grade for the course. Credit for concurrent enrollment shall be awarded in accordance with policy IHCDA and IHCDA-R.

The following criteria shall entitle a student to a high school diploma:

  Achievement in content standards as demonstrated by mastery of the curriculum which may include, but is not limited to, daily classroom assignments, the state assessment program, the district assessment program, classroom assessments, and student participation in, and completion of, assigned projects.

  Completion of 26 credits in grades nine through twelve in the prescribed categories listed below.

  Completion of the requirements and goals as listed on a student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP) which may include modified academic standards.

Required credits/courses

Units of credit needed - For the class of 2018 and the class of 2019

A total of 24 credits earned during grades nine through twelve are required for graduation. A credit is defined as the amount of credit given for the successful completion of a course in which the student has been enrolled. Successful completion means that the student obtained a passing grade for the course. Credit for concurrent enrollment shall be awarded in accordance with policy IHCDA and IHCDA-R.

The following criteria shall entitle a student to a high school diploma:

  Achievement in content standards as demonstrated by mastery of the curriculum which may include, but is not limited to, daily classroom assignments, the state assessment program, the district assessment program, classroom assessments, and student participation in, and completion of, assigned projects.

  Completion of 24 credits in grades nine through twelve in the prescribed categories listed below.

  Completion of the requirements and goals as listed on a student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP) which may include modified academic standards.

Required credits/courses

Units of credit and proficiency requirements needed- Beginning with the class of 2020

Students must demonstrate college or career readiness in English and math based on at least one measure from the menu of options below.

Menu of Options

This menu lists the minimum scores required for each COE approved demonstration of College-Career Readiness.

ACCUPLACER

ACCUPLACER is a computerized test that assesses reading, writing, math and computer skills. The results of the assessment, in conjunction with a student's academic background, goals and interests, are used by academic advisors and counselors to place students in a college courses that match their skill levels.

ACT

ACT is a national college admissions exam. It measures four subjects - English, reading, math and science. The highest possible score for each subject is 36.

Advanced Placement (AP)

AP exams test students' ability to perform at a college level. Districts choose which AP exams will fulfill this menu option. Scores range from 1 to 5 (highest).

ASVAB

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a comprehensive test that helps determine students' eligibility and suitability for careers in the military.

Students who score at least 31 are eligible for service (along with other standards that include physical condition and personal conduct). Students who take the ASVAB are not required to enlist in the military.

Concurrent Enrollment

Concurrent enrollment provides students the opportunity to enroll in postsecondary courses, simultaneously earning high school and college credit. School districts and institutions of higher education each determine passing grades for credit. A passing grade is determined by district and higher education policy for concurrent enrollment. An eligible concurrent enrollment course is 1) the pre-requisite directly prior to a credit-bearing course or 2)·a credit-bearing course.

District Capstone

A capstone is the culminating exhibition of a student's project or experience that demonstrates academic and intellectual learning. Capstone projects are district determined and often include a portfolio of a student's best work.

Industry Certificate

An industry certificate is a credential recognized by business and industry. Industry certificates are district determined, measure a student's competency in an occupation, and they validate a knowledge base and skills that show mastery in a particular industry.

International Baccalaureate

IB exams assess students enrolled in the official 18 Diploma Programme. Courses are offered only at authorized IB World Schools. Scores range from 1 to 7 (highest).

SAT

The SAT is a college entrance exam that is accepted or required at nearly all four­ year colleges and universities in the U.S. The current SAT includes sections on reading, writing and math. The highest possible score for each section is 800.

Centennial School District- Academic Portfolio

Required credits/courses

The proposed graduation requirements ensure a rigorous academic foundational program that will include time and opportunities for students to demonstrate College and Career Readiness in time for graduation. The coursework required for the foundational or "base" education will ensure core subject mastery by requiring a 70% (C-) or higher as a final grade for credit to be awarded. Note: this is a change from the prior practice of awarding credit for a 60% (D-).

In addition to the above required course mastery, all students will maintain a portfolio of authentic work products produced over the course of their base coursework. If a student should satisfactorily complete the base coursework but not achieve acceptable minimum scores in the two required areas of math and English by the end of their junior year then additional work products may be added to portfolio requirements AND successful completion of a District Capstone project will be completed to demonstrate Readiness. District Capstone projects are determined on an individual basis and will be submitted by the end of the third quarter of their senior year.

Credit from other institutions and home-based programs

All students entering from outside the district must meet the district graduation requirements. The principal shall determine whether credit toward graduation requirements shall be granted for courses taken outside the district. Students who are currently enrolled in the district and wish to obtain credit from outside institutions, or through "online" programs, must have prior approval from the principal.

The district shall accept the transcripts from a home-based educational program. In order to determine whether the courses and grades earned are consistent with district requirements and district academic standards, the district shall require submission of the student's work or other proof of academic performance for each course for which credit toward graduation is sought. In addition, the district may administer testing to the student to verify the accuracy of the student's transcripts. The district may reject any transcripts that cannot be verified through such testing.

Class rankings and grade point averages

Graduating seniors shall be ranked within the graduating class for each high school upon the basis of grade-point averages for the four-year program, excluding the last semester of the senior year.

Grades for regular classes will be given the following values:

Grading System 3rd-12th

Advanced

A+   4.3/4.0   100-99

A     4.0/3.7    98-93

A-    3.7.3.5    92-90

Above Standard

B+   3.3/3.0   89-88

B     3.0.2.7   87-83

B-    2.7/2.5  82-80

At Standard

C+   2.3/2.0   79-78

C     2.0/1.7   77-73

C-    1.7/1.5   72-70

Below Standard

D+   1.3/1.0   69-68

D     1.0/0.7   67-63

D-    0.7/0.5   62-60

Unsatisfactory

F-   59 and under 0.0

Grades for advanced placement and weighted classes will be given an additional 1.0 GPA point for a possible maximum 5.3 GPA points.

After a core course has been passed, no future grade earned in the same course shall be used to determine class rank or grade point average.

The valedictorian and salutatorian represent academic achievement and esteem. This honor will be determined on the summation of all semester grades and the number of weighted classes taken during the four years of high school. The valedictorian and salutatorian must have a 3.75 WGPA in order to be considered for this award. He/she must also uphold standards of academic integrity throughout high school and shall be disqualified from this honor if he/she engages in dishonest activity including but not limited to cheating and plagiarism. Should a tie occur in the 2016-2017 academic year regarding WGPA, the ACT composite score will be the default factor. Should a tie occur after the 2016-2017 academic year regarding WGPA, the SAT composite score will be the default factor. Selection of Valedictorian and Salutatorian will be made at the end of the 1st semester of the senior year based on the above criteria. This determination is final.

When transcripts of transfer students show grades such as pass or satisfactory, such grades shall not be counted in determining class rank or grade point average. Students entering from home-based education programs must submit student work or other proof of academic performance for each course for which credit toward class ranking or grade point average is sought.

Independent study

Independent study, work experience and experienced-based programs approved in advance by the principal may be taken for high school credit. Students must submit a request for approval that includes a summary of the educational objectives to be achieved and monitored by a faculty member.

Student course load

The course load for freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors shall be a minimum of 6 credits per school year. Students must maintain full time student status regardless of concurrent enrollment or 5th year senior classification.

Years of attendance

The Board of Education believes that most students benefit from four years of high school experience and are encouraged not to graduate early. However, in some cases, students need the challenge provided by postsecondary education or other opportunities at an earlier age. Therefore, the principal may grant permission to students wishing to graduate early, provided the student has met all district graduation requirements.

Adopted:  January 15, 2001

Revised:  September 28, 2016

LEGAL REFS.:  C.R.S. 22-1-104 (teaching history, culture and civil government)

C.R.S. 22-32-109 (1)(kk) (board to establish graduation requirements applicable to students enrolling in 9th grade beginning in the 2012-13 school year)

C.R.S. 22-32-132 (discretion to award diploma to honorably discharged veterans)

C.R.S. 22-33-104.5 (home-based education law)

CROSS REFS.:  AE, Accountability/Commitment to Accomplishment

AEA, Standards Based Education

IA, Instructional Goals and Learning Objectives

IHA, Basic Instructional Program

IHAC, History and Civil Government Education

IHBG, Home Schooling

IHCDA, Concurrent Enrollment

IK, Academic Achievement

ILBA, District Program Assessments

ILBB, State Program Assessments

ILBC, Literacy and Reading Comprehension Assessments