2410P
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
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 an effort to meet the needs of all students, the district will provide courses in a variety of settings and time frames, including early-bird, extended day, and summer school. However, all students must meet the minimum requirements as defined in policy.
The principal or counselor will review the transcript of all students who transfer into the Bellingham School District. Transcripts that indicate a course schedule different from that used in Bellingham – 6 credits per year total available; course competence demonstrated each semester, each course representing .5 credit for each of two semesters – will 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's first semester in the Bellingham School District. Parents or students 18 years or older who wish to appeal any transcripted credit adjustments must put the request for appeal in writing to the superintendent or designee within three (3) weeks of the start of the student's second semester in the Bellingham Public Schools.
The graduation course requirements may be waived in the following circumstances when waivers are in the best interests of individual students. The principal of each school will record and document all waivers granted.
Course |
Credits Required |
Process for demonstrating competence |
• Technology Connections |
0.5 credits |
• Successful completion of course learning modules |
• Health
|
0.5 credits
|
• Successful completion of district-developed assessment; or • Successful completion of course learning modules. |
• Physical Education |
1.5 credits |
For the class of 2006 and beyond - • The principal may waive 1.5 credits upon documentation of 270 (90 hours for each .5 credit) hours of community-based physical activity (e.g., club team, organized class at YMCA or gym) or school-based physical activity (sport or activity team). • Documentation must include signature of coach or instructor and some form of performance evidence (e.g., video, team roster, publicity). |
• Washington History and Government |
0.5 credit |
• The principal may waive this 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. (WAC 180-51-085 [c]) |
Approved:
Dale E. Kinsley March 22, 2004
Superintendent of Schools