November 13, 2013 Graduation Requirements and Advanced Studies Diploma Students who entered ninth grade through 2010-11 are required to complete 22 standard units of credit for the Diploma and 24 standard units of credit for the Advanced Studies Diploma. In addition to earning the required number of standard units of credit, students must earn the appropriate number of verified units of credit. units of credit are obtained by passing specific courses and successfully completing end-of-course s of Learning (SOL) tests or by receiving passing scores on substitute tests, industry certifications, state licensure examinations, and national occupational competency assessments approved by the Board of Education. (See Attachment I) Students who entered ninth grade in 2011-12 and beyond must complete 22 standard units of credit for the Diploma and 26 standard units of credit for the Advanced Studies Diploma. In addition, students must earn the appropriate number of verified units of credit. (See Attachment II) Students who enter the ninth grade in 2013-14 and beyond must complete 22 standard units of credit for the Diploma and 26 standard units of credit for the Advanced Studies Diploma. In addition, students must earn the appropriate number of verified units of credit. Students pursuing either the or Advanced Studies Diploma will be required to complete one virtual course. This course may be a non-credit bearing course. Students receiving the Diploma must also earn a career and technical education credential that has been approved by the Board of Education such as an industry certification, a state licensure exam, a national occupational competency assessment, or the Virginia workplace readiness skills assessment. (See Attachment III) Modified Diploma The Modified Diploma is only available to those students who entered the ninth grade for the first time prior to the 2013-14 school year. Eligibility and participation in the Modified Diploma program shall be determined by the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) team and the student, where appropriate, at any point after the student's eighth grade year. The student who has chosen to pursue a Modified Diploma shall also be allowed to pursue the or Advanced Studies Diploma at any time during his/her high school career. Students pursuing the Modified Diploma shall pass Grade 8 English/ and Math SOL s or achieve scores on these or other tests as approved by the Board of Education. (See Attachment IV) Special Diploma Students with disabilities who complete the requirements of their IEP and do not meet the requirements for other diplomas shall be awarded a Special Diploma. (See Attachment IV) Accommodations Students entering ninth grade for the first time in 2013-14 and beyond are eligible to pursue an advanced studies diploma, standard diploma, or special diploma. These students who would have previously been candidates for the modified standard diploma may use credit accommodations to earn the standard diploma if they meet the following eligibility requirements (i) the student has a current IEP or 504 plan with standards-based content goals, (ii) the student has a disability that precludes him or her from achieving and progressing commensurate with grade level expectation, but is learning
November 13, 2013 Page 2 grade level content; (iii) the student needs significant instructional supports to access grade level s of Learning (SOL) content and to show progress; and (iv) based on multiple objective measures of past performance, the student might not be expected to achieve the required standard and verified units of credit within the standard time frame. accommodations shall be determined and documented by the student s IEP team or 504 plan committee, including the student where appropriate, at any point after the student s eighth grade year. (See Attachment IV) Diploma Seals Students who complete the requirements for a or Advanced Studies Diploma with a grade average of A (4.0) or above will receive a Board of Education Seal on the diploma. Those who earn the Advanced Studies Diploma with a grade average of B (3.0) or above and successfully complete college level coursework that will earn the student at least nine transferrable college credits in Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge (AICE), or dual enrollment courses shall receive the Governor s Seal on the diploma. The Board of Education's Career and Technical Education Seal shall be awarded to students who earn a or Advanced Studies Diploma and complete a prescribed sequence of courses in a career and technical education concentration or specialization and maintain a "B" or better average in those courses; or pass an examination or an occupational competency assessment in a career and technical education concentration or specialization that confers certification from a recognized industry, trade, or professional association; or acquire a professional license in a career and technical education field from the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Board of Education shall approve all professional licenses and examinations used to satisfy these requirements. The Board of Education's Seal of Advanced Mathematics and Technology shall be awarded to students who earn either a or Advanced Studies Diploma and satisfy all of the mathematics requirements for the Advanced Studies Diploma (four standard units of credit including Algebra II; two verified units of credit) with a "B" average or better; and either pass an examination in a career and technical education field that confers certification from a recognized industry, trade, or professional association; or acquire a professional license in a career and technical education field from the Commonwealth of Virginia; or pass an examination approved by the Board that confers college-level credit in a technology or computer science area. The Board of Education shall approve all professional licenses and examinations used to satisfy these requirements. The Board of Education s Seal for Excellence in Civics Education will be awarded to students who earn a or Advanced Studies Diploma and satisfy all of the following criteria: (i) complete U.S. and Virginia History and U.S. and Virginia Government with a grade of B or higher; (ii) complete 50 hours of voluntary participation in community service or extracurricular activities that have a civics focus; and (iii) have good attendance and no disciplinary infractions. Any student who enlists in the United States military prior to graduation will be deemed to have completed the community service requirement for this seal.
November 13, 2013 Page 3 Additional Information When students below the ninth grade successfully complete courses offered for credit in grades 9-12, credit shall be counted toward meeting the standard and verified units of credit required for graduation provided the courses are equivalent in content and academic rigor to those courses offered at the high school level. Students who complete Advanced Placement, Cambridge, college-level, or courses required for the International Baccalaureate Diploma shall be deemed to have completed the requirements for graduation under these standards provided they have earned the standard units of credit and verified units of credit as required of students earning either a or Advanced Studies Diploma. Students transferring into a school in Prince William County from outside Virginia shall be required to earn a minimum of 22 standard units of credit in order to receive a Diploma or a minimum of 26 standard units of credit for an Advanced Studies Diploma, beginning with the ninth grade classes of 2011-12. Students must also earn the appropriate number of verified units of credit depending on the type of diploma desired and the year the student entered a Virginia high school for the first time per 8 VAC 20-131-60. (See Attachment V) Secondary schools in Prince William County shall accept credits received from other accredited secondary schools. For information regarding students who enter a Prince William County Public School from non-accredited schools or from home instruction, refer to Regulation 715-3, Admission of Students from Private Schools/Home Instruction by Parents. Specified courses normally taken at lower grade levels than the one to which the student is currently assigned shall not be required for transfer students provided the student has completed the courses required by the state from which the student transferred at those grade levels. Students transferring above the tenth grade from schools or other education programs that do not require or give credit for health and physical education shall not be required to take or repeat these courses to meet graduation requirements. A student who entered a Virginia public high school in the ninth grade, transferred to another state, and returned to a Virginia public high school would meet the criteria of 8 VAC 20-131-60. (See Attachment V) Locally awarded verified units of credit in History/Social Sciences and Science are available to all 11 th and 12 th grade students in these classes who are pursuing the Diploma. Specific criteria have been developed for the awarding of these credits. Students may not earn more than four locally awarded verified units of credit in History/Social Science or Science (see Regulation 662-4C, Locally Awarded ). Locally awarded verified units of credit in, Writing, and Math may be awarded to eligible students with an IEP or 504 plan as a credit accommodation for the Diploma. Students with an IEP or 504 plan who use this credit accommodation may earn all six verified units of credit through the local award process. (See Regulation 662-4C, Locally Awarded )
November 13, 2013 Page 4 Students are required to meet the minimum requirements for graduation before graduation day in order to participate in a graduation ceremony. Any senior needing to attend alternative programs during the summer to complete the standard or verified units of credit requirements for graduation shall not be allowed to participate in the June graduation ceremony (Regulation 662-1B, Diploma ). Students completing graduation requirements in a summer school shall be eligible for a diploma. The last school attended during the regular session shall award the diploma. A summer school graduation ceremony is offered to seniors who complete graduation requirements in August. Exchange students are admitted to a Prince William County Public School on a temporary, cultural exchange basis and not for high school graduation purposes; therefore, they may not earn a high school diploma or participate in graduation ceremonies. Those students who are officially enrolled through an approved student exchange agency shall receive a certificate of studies which recognizes the completion of one year of study in a Prince William County Public School (see Regulation 713-1, Student Exchange Program and Attachment V to Regulation 662-1B, Diploma ). The Associate Superintendent for Student Learning and Accountability (or designee) is responsible for implementing and monitoring this regulation. The Associate Superintendent for Student Learning and Accountability (or designee) is responsible for reviewing this regulation in 2016. PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Attachment I GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS STUDENTS ENTERING 9 TH GRADE THROUGH 2010-11 Advanced Studies Required Courses Diploma Diploma English 9, 10, 11, 12 4 2 Mathematics Courses must be at or above the level of Algebra and include at least two different course selections ( Diploma) or at least three different course selections (Advanced Studies Diploma) from Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, or higher. (Advanced Studies Diploma must include Algebra II) Laboratory Science Courses shall include at least two different course selections from among Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics or completion of the sequence of science courses required for the IB Diploma ( Diploma). The Advanced Studies Diploma requires at least three different course selections from among Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics or completion of the sequence of science courses required for the IB Diploma. History and Social Sciences Courses completed to satisfy this requirement shall include U.S. and Virginia History, U.S. and Virginia Government, and one ( Diploma) or two (Advanced Studies Diploma) of the following: World History to 1500; World History from 1500; World Geography. Foreign Language Three years of one language or two years each of two languages. 4 2 4 2 3 1 Health/Physical Education I, II 2 2 Fine Arts or Career and Technical Education 1 1 Electives Courses to satisfy this requirement shall include two sequential electives (* Diploma only). Student Selected Test A student may utilize additional tests for earning verified credit in computer science, technology, career and technical education or other areas as prescribed by the Board. 3 2 6* 1 1# TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED 24 9 22 6 Students who complete Advanced Placement, Cambridge, college-level, or courses required for the International Baccalaureate Diploma shall be deemed to have completed the requirements for graduation under these standards provided they have earned the standard units of credit and verified units of credit in accordance with the requirements of the Diploma or Advanced Studies Diploma, or in the case of a complete International Baccalaureate Program, the number of verified credits required for an Advanced Studies Diploma. # Students who are seeking the Diploma and who complete a career and technical education program sequence and pass an examination or occupational competency assessment in a career and technical education field that confers certification or an occupational competency credential from a recognized industry or trade or professional association or acquire a professional license in a career and technical education field from the Commonwealth of Virginia may substitute the certification, competency credential, or license for (i) the student selected verified credit and (ii) either a Science or History and Social Science verified credit when the certification, license, or credential confers more than one verified credit. The examination or occupational competency assessment must be approved by the Board of Education as an educational test to verify student achievement.
Attachment II GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS STUDENTS ENTERING 9 TH GRADE IN 2011-12 AND 2012-13 Advanced Studies Required Courses Diploma Diploma English 9, 10, 11, 12 4 2 Mathematics Courses shall include at least two different course selections from among Algebra I; Geometry; Algebra, Functions and Data Analysis; Algebra II; or other mathematics courses above the level of Algebra II ( Diploma) or at least three different course selections from among Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, or other mathematics courses above the level of Algebra II (Advanced Studies Diploma). Laboratory Science Courses shall include at least two different course selections from among Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics or completion of the sequence of science courses required for the IB Diploma ( Diploma). The Advanced Studies Diploma requires at least three different course selections from among Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics or completion of the sequence of science courses required for the IB Diploma. History and Social Sciences Courses shall include U.S. and Virginia History, U.S. and Virginia Government, and one ( Diploma) or both (Advanced Studies Diploma) of the following: World History to 1500; World History from 1500; World Geography may be accepted as one of the required courses for the Advanced Studies diploma for transfer students. Foreign Language Courses shall include three years of one language or two years each of two languages. 4 2 4 2 3 1 Health/Physical Education I, II 2 2 Economics and Personal Finance 1 1 Fine Arts or Career and Technical Education 1 Foreign Language, Fine Arts or Career and Technical Education s earned shall include one credit in fine or performing arts or career and technical education. Electives Courses to satisfy this requirement shall include at least two sequential electives (* Diploma only). 3 3 4* Student Selected Test A student may utilize additional tests for earning verified credit in 1 1# computer science, technology, career and technical education, economics, or other areas as prescribed by the Board. TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED 26 9 22 6 Students who complete Advanced Placement, Cambridge, college-level, or courses required for the International Baccalaureate Diploma shall be deemed to have completed the requirements for graduation under these standards provided they have earned the standard units of credit and verified units of credit in accordance with the requirements of the Diploma or Advanced Studies Diploma, or in the case of a complete International Baccalaureate Program, the number of verified credits required for an Advanced Studies Diploma. # Students who are seeking the Diploma and who complete a career and technical education program sequence and pass an examination or occupational competency assessment in a career and technical education field that confers certification or an occupational competency credential from a recognized industry or trade or professional association or acquire a professional license in a career and technical education field from the Commonwealth of Virginia may substitute the certification, competency credential, or license for (i) the student selected verified credit and (ii) either a Science or History and Social Science verified credit when the certification, license, or credential confers more than one verified credit. The examination or occupational competency assessment must be approved by the Board of Education as an educational test to verify student achievement. 2
Required Courses GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS STUDENTS ENTERING 9 TH GRADE IN 2013-14 AND BEYOND Advanced Studies Diploma English 9, 10, 11, 12 4 2 Mathematics Courses shall include at least two different course selections from among Algebra I; Geometry; Algebra, Functions and Data Analysis; Algebra II; or other mathematics courses above the level of Algebra II ( Diploma) or at least three different course selections from among Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, or other mathematics courses above the level of Algebra II (Advanced Studies Diploma). Laboratory Science Courses shall include at least two different course selections from among Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics or completion of the sequence of science courses required for the IB Diploma ( Diploma). The Advanced Studies Diploma requires at least three different course selections from among Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics or completion of the sequence of science courses required for the IB Diploma. History and Social Sciences Courses shall include U.S. and Virginia History, U.S. and Virginia Government, and one ( Diploma) or both (Advanced Diploma) of the following: World History to 1500; World History from 1500; World Geography may be accepted as one of the required courses for the Advanced Studies diploma for transfer students. Attachment III Diploma 4 2 4 2 3 1 Foreign Language Courses shall include three years of one language or two years each of two languages. 3 Health/Physical Education I, II 2 2 Economics and Personal Finance 1 1 Fine Arts or Career and Technical Education 1 Foreign Language, Fine Arts, or Career and Technical Education s earned shall include one credit in fine or performing arts or career and technical education. Electives Courses to satisfy this requirement shall include at least two sequential electives (* Diploma only). 3 4* Student Selected Test A student may utilize additional tests for earning verified credit in computer science, technology, career and technical education, economics, or other areas as prescribed by the 1 1# Board. TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED 26 9 22 6 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Career and Technical Education Credential** 1 Virtual Course for or Non- 1 1 Students who complete Advanced Placement, Cambridge, college-level, or courses required for the International Baccalaureate Diploma shall be deemed to have completed the requirements for graduation under these standards provided they have earned the standard units of credit and verified units of credit in accordance with the requirements of the Diploma or Advanced Studies Diploma, or in the case of a complete International Baccalaureate Program, the number of verified credits required for an Advanced Studies Diploma. # Students who are seeking the Diploma and who complete a career and technical education program sequence and pass an examination or occupational competency assessment in a career and technical education field that confers certification or an occupational competency credential from a recognized industry or trade or professional association or acquire a professional license in a career and technical education field from the Commonwealth of Virginia may substitute the certification, competency credential, or license for (i) the student selected verified credit and (ii) either a Science or History and Social Science verified credit when the certification, license, or credential confers more than one verified credit. The examination or occupational competency assessment must be approved by the Board of Education as an educational test to verify student achievement.**students who are seeking the Diploma must take and pass a career and technical education credentialing exam that has been approved by the Board of Education. This may include an industry certification, state licensure examination, National Occupational Competency Assessment, or Virginia Workplace Readiness Skills Assessment. 2
Attachment IV Required Courses English 9, 10, 11, 12 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS MODIFIED STANDARD DIPLOMA STUDENTS ENTERING 9 TH GRADE THROUGH 2012-13 Mathematics Courses completed to satisfy this requirement shall include three units of credit from among Algebra I, Part 1; Algebra I, Part 2; Geometry; personal finance, or higher. Laboratory Science Courses completed to satisfy this requirement shall include content from at least two of the following: Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. History/Social Sciences Courses completed to satisfy this requirement shall include one unit of credit in U.S. and Virginia History and one unit of credit in U.S. and Virginia Government. Units of Health/Physical Education: 2 units of credit 2 Fine Arts or Career and Technical Education: 1 unit of credit 1 Electives: 6 units of credit Courses to satisfy this requirement shall include two sequential electives in the same manner as required for the Diploma. TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED 20 Eligibility and participation in the Modified Diploma program shall be determined by the student s Individualized Education Program (IEP) team and the student, where appropriate, at any point after the student s eighth grade year. The student who has chosen to pursue a Modified Diploma shall also be allowed to pursue the Diploma, Technical Diploma, Advanced Studies Diploma, or Advanced Technical Diploma at any time throughout the student s high school career. Students pursuing the Modified Diploma must pass the eighth grade SOL Tests in Math and English/ or achieve scores on these or on other tests as approved by the Board of Education. 4 3 2 2 6 THE MODIFIED STANDARD DIPLOMA WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS WHO ENTER THE 9 TH GRADE IN THE 2013-14 SCHOOL YEAR OR LATER. Accommodations Students entering ninth grade for the first time in 2013-14 and beyond are eligible to pursue an Advanced Studies Diploma, Diploma, or Special Diploma. These students who would have previously been candidates for the Modified Diploma may use credit accommodations to earn the Diploma if they meet the following eligibility requirements (i) the student has a current IEP or 504 plan with standards-based content goals; (ii) the student has a disability that precludes him or her from achieving and progressing commensurate with grade level expectation, but is learning grade level content; (iii) the student needs significant instructional supports to access grade level s of Learning (SOL) content and to show progress; and (iv) based on multiple objective measures of past performance, student might not be expected to achieve the required standard and verified units of credit within the standard time frame. accommodations shall be determined and documented by the student s IEP team or 504 plan committee, including the student where appropriate, at any point after the student s eighth grade year. SPECIAL DIPLOMA Courses Needed: Students with disabilities who complete the requirements of their Individualized Education Program (IEP) and do not meet the requirements for other diplomas shall be awarded Special Diplomas.
Attachment V Graduation Requirements Requirement Transfer Students from Non-Virginia Public Schools Diploma Student enters During 9 th grade or at the Beginning of 10 th grade: Student must obtain all six (6) required verified units of credit Advanced Studies Diploma Student enters During 9 th grade or at the Beginning of 10 th grade: Student must obtain all nine (9) required verified units of credit Student enters During 10 th grade or at the Beginning of 11 th grade: Student must obtain four (4) verified units One (1) in English One (1) in Math One (1) in History/Social Science One (1) in Science Student enters During 11 th grade or at the Beginning of 12 th grade: Student must obtain two (2) verified units One (1) in English One (1) student selected Student enters During 10 th grade or at the Beginning of 11 th grade: Student must obtain all six (6) verified units Two (2) in English One (1) in Math One (1) in History/Social Science One (1) in Science One (1) student selected Student enters During 11 th grade or at the Beginning of 12 th grade: Student must obtain four (4) verified units One (1) in English Three (3) student selected Student enters During 12 th grade: Student may apply for a waiver of verified units with the State Board of Education Student enters During 12 th grade: Student may apply for a waiver of verified units with the State Board of Education Beginning = First 20 Hours of Instruction During = After the first 20 Hours of Instruction