5460 - GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS - SUSPENDED FOR THE CLASS OF 2020 ONLY

The high school graduation decision will follow a sequential decision-making mode, which includes four levels. The decision regarding high school graduation will be made after considering earned credits, which will include satisfactory English proficiency level (2-3 meaning above two going to three).

If a student does not meet the Graduation Policy Requirements at Level One, further consideration for graduation will be made using the student’s academic performance and teacher recommendations. Students who meet the credit requirements, and then meet the criteria at one (1) of the other levels, will graduate and receive a Barron High School diploma. Students who do not meet the criteria at any level will not graduate or receive a diploma.

Level One - Barron Area School District Credit Requirements

Students shall be required to attend high school for eight (8) semesters, twelve (12) trimesters, or except as otherwise provided. Each student shall complete a minimum program of twenty-five and one-half (25-1/2) credits, which shall include the following:

In individual situations, adjustments in the 25.5 credit requirement may be made at the discretion of the counseling department, with approval of the high school principal. Students are required to be enrolled in 9, 10, 11 must take 7.5, seniors 6.5.

Students shall be enrolled in a class or participating in a Board-approved activity during each class period of each school day while attending high school. Accommodations may be made for students with exceptional educational interests, needs, or requirements in accordance with established guidelines. Students who do not meet the District’s credit requirements, listed above, will not be granted a diploma.

Level Two – Academic Performance

The Barron Area School District Board of Education has adopted the Wisconsin Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects; in addition to Mathematics (CCSS). The Wisconsin Model Academic Standards (WMAS) are adopted for all other subjects that are taught at the District. Students who do not meet the CCSS/WMAS will need to verify that they have met the standards of the subject area, by earning at least a passing grade in all of the required courses. Students who earn a passing grade or better in all required courses will be granted a diploma that certifies their graduation.

Level Three – Teacher Recommendation

Teacher recommendations will be made by a team of teachers, including staff members who are currently working or have worked with the student on a regular basis, i.e., the building principal, a school counselor, and/or the school psychologist. The teacher recommendation team composition will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the District Assessment Coordinator (or his/her designee). The student and his/her parents or guardians will be included as nonvoting members of the team. The teacher recommendation team can recommend that a student receive a diploma after it has documented that appropriate modifications to the required courses have been satisfactorily completed. Examples of modifications to the required courses include, but are not limited to, summer school programs, individualized programs of study, mentorship programs, or other programs deemed appropriate by the teacher recommendation team. Students who do not meet the criteria at this level will not receive a diploma.

Students and/or parents may request that the teacher recommendation team provide an extension of the proposed plan, review extenuating circumstances, which would result in modifications to the plan, or develop other appropriate revisions to the plan. Such requests must be made prior to the start of the next school year.

Students and/or parents who are dissatisfied with the final decision of the teacher recommendation team may file an appeal in writing to the Board of Education. The appeal must be filed within thirty days after the teacher recommendation team has rendered a final decision. Students must attend Barron High School for a minimum of two full semesters, to receive a diploma and graduation status. Exceptions caused by extenuating circumstances may be granted by the Board of Education or their designee.

Level Four - Alternative Diploma

Students that have met the requirements of At-Risk For Not Graduating From High School for a minimum or three (3) trimesters or one (1) year or administrative approval may be considered for an alternative diploma.  These students will be identified by the Student Services Team in grades 9-12. Students shall be required to attend high school for ten (10) trimesters or except as otherwise provided or enrolled in an alternative educational program or course.  Each student must successfully pass the Civics Exam and shall complete a minimum program of 18 credits which shall include the following:  

Only students that have an "At-Risk Plan" will be considered for an alternative diploma unless approved by the administration.

Revised 1/20/20
Revised 1/16/22
T.C. 2/19/25

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