BELLINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS

2410

BOARD POLICY

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Students graduating from the Bellingham School District are expected to be well prepared to face the diverse and changing world beyond graduation. Graduates will be:

• Knowledgeable individuals who read with comprehension, write with skill, and communicate effectively. They will know and apply the basic principles of mathematics, science, social studies, health and fitness, and fine arts.
• Quality producers who successfully apply academic, intellectual, artistic, and practical learning to create quality products and performances.
• Effective communicators who apply their communication skills and processes effectively in a variety of ways and settings.
• Competent thinkers who are able to think analytically and creatively, solve problems, and make decisions.
• Effective collaborators who can work successfully with diverse individuals and groups.
• Responsible citizens who are informed and apply knowledge to improve the quality of their lives and communities.
• Life-long learners who are self-directed and apply learning confidently and successfully to new and different situations and tasks in preparation for a changing world and workplace.

These expectations will be achieved through a variety of experiences, both required and elective, prior to the student becoming eligible for graduation. Beginning in 6th grade, students will create a personal plan for high school and year 13 which will include not only the courses to be taken, but also information about the student's goals, abilities, and needs. The plan is based on state and/or district requirements and their individual interests. t grade 9, students will also explore and identify interests in pursuing a particular educational/career pathway to their future work. The plan will be reviewed and updated annually in consultation with parents and school staff.

All students will be expected to identify a pathway to explore as part of their high school experience. Students will be provided with support and guidance from both regular teachers and counselors (see Career Guidance and Counseling Plan for details) to help them identify strengths and interests. Each pathway will include introductory through advanced coursework leading to various post-secondary options for students. The pathways from which students may choose will include:

• Arts and Communication
• Business and Marketing
• Health, Education, and Human Services
• Science and Natural Resources
• Technology and Industry

A core course of study for students in grades 9 and 10 will be developed to ensure that all students are provided opportunities to meet the state requirements as measured by the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL). The core consists of the following courses:

All students in grade 10 will be assessed on their ability to read, write, listen and do mathematics based on the Washington State Assessment of Student Learning (WASL). All graduates will be required to meet the state-defined competency in all components of the WASL. Students may be provided with alternative assessment structures that measure the WASL components. The superintendent is directed to develop procedures that would allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills using alternative assessment structures.

Beyond grade 10, students who meet the requirements of the WASL will have significant opportunities to explore and follow their individual interests through their pathway. Students who do not meet the WASL requirements will be provided additional opportunities to learn required content, skills and strategies to enable them to meet the state- and district-defined standards prior to graduation.

Students who receive services from the special education program will be granted a diploma based on satisfactory completion of a course of study which meets graduation requirements through general education courses, general education courses with accommodations, general education courses with modifications, or through approved special education courses designed to meet their unique needs. Deviations from the graduation requirements defined in this policy shall be determined by the Individual Educational Program (IEP) team, based on the student's individual needs, and specifically outlined in the IEP document.

Beginning with the class of 2006, students must meet the standards required for the following courses or provide evidence of competence (see specific courses marked with *) to be eligible for graduation.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS – CLASS OF 2006

Students may request waivers to graduation requirements identified with an asterisk above – PE (up to 1.5 credit may be waived), Health, or Technology Connections. All students need knowledge and skills in these areas, but competency may be achieved in a variety of ways. The superintendent is directed to create a process by which students can demonstrate their knowledge and skills in any of the competency subject areas. Students who demonstrate competency will have this graduation requirement waived, enabling them to select another course to complete the total number of credits required for graduation.

Students who transfer into the Bellingham School District from another school or district will have their transcript reviewed upon entry into the district. Any adjustments in the number of credits required for graduation will be documented on the official transcript.

All students are required to complete a culminating project. This project will be one component in a variety of courses in each pathway. Prior to implementation of this requirement, the superintendent is directed to create a process through which the components and expectations of the project will be identified and developed.

Legal Reference: WAC 180-51-050

Approved: February 12, 2004

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