5460 - GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

A student must be enrolled in a full complement of classes each semester until graduation requirements are met. Credits are accepted in transfer from other accredited high schools when students transfer to Durand-Arkansaw High School. Students who transfer into or, for any reason, enter Durand - Arkansaw High School after 1st semester, 9th grade, must provide an official transcript and/or documentation of high school coursework completed to date. Transfer and late entry students must meet all other graduation requirements as set by the Board.

All students must be enrolled as full-time students and carry a full complement of courses, which may include a study hall. Exceptions to being enrolled and carrying a full complement may be allowed for home-school students as allowed by statute.

To achieve sophomore status, a student must have earned at least six (6.0) credits; junior status requires a minimum of twelve (12) earned credits; senior status requires a minimum of eighteen (18) earned credits.

Included in these credits are:

Elective credits must come from at least three areas of course of studies: Music, Foreign Language, Art, Business Education, Technical Education, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, English, Agriculture, Physical Education, and Family and Consumer Education.

In order to earn a high school diploma, a student must successfully complete a civics assessment in accordance with State statute.

A student must also have participated in a curriculum relating to financial literacy in order to earn a diploma.

The Board may waive graduation requirements, except for the core requirements, in exceptional cases to suit the needs of a student subject to Wis. Admin Code, §§ PI 18.03 and PI 18.04.

Students should assume responsibility with advisement from school personnel for meeting graduation requirements.

All schedules are subject to final approval of the principal.

Alternative Education Program

This Alternative Education Program meets the graduation requirements as required by the Wisconsin Administrative Code PI 18.04 (see link below), which addresses the needs of students with exceptional needs, interests, or requirements.

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/pi/18.pd

Alternative Education Plan Components
Basic Skills Diploma Requirements: All students completing an alternative education plan will complete the state minimum requirements for earning a high school diploma:

1. Basic Skills Diploma (15.5 credits)

1. English Language Arts - four (4) Credits;
2. Mathematics- three (3) Credits;
3. Science- three (3) Credits;
4. Social Studies- three (3) Credits;
5. Physical Education- one point five (1.5) Credits;
6. Health- point five (.5) Credits;
7. Personal Finance- point five (.5) Credits.

2. Civics Exam

All students completing an Alternative Education Plan take the 100-question civics test, consisting of questions that may be asked of an individual during the process of applying for U.S. citizenship by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, and the pupil correctly answers at least 65 of those questions.

3. Individualized Life & Career Plans

All students must work with the Alternative Education Teacher and Administration to create an individualized Life & Career Plan that is relevant to their goals after high school. Life and Career items that could be included in the plan may include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Youth Apprenticeship / Work Study Experience / Job Shadow;
2. Industry Certifications/Credentials;
3. Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery;
4. Community Service;
5. Safety Courses / Safety Training.

4. Workforce Readiness & Citizenship Course

All students will be required to participate in a weekly Workforce Readiness Course taught by the Alternative Education Teacher. This course will focus on the soft skills of being a good employee and citizen. 

Course Options - Alternative Education Plan

Students acquiring credits on an alternative education plan will have the following options available for earning credits: 

1. Regular DAHS Courses;
2. Online Courses (Edmentum);
3. GED Testing by Content Area (Minimum Score of 145 to pass the content area).

Alternative Education Plan Eligibility

Eligibility for an alternative education plan will be determined based on credit earned. Juniors and Senior students who are credit-deficient and not on track to graduate may be eligible for an alternative education plan. Students moving to an alternative education plan must receive administrative approval prior to. The following are basic guidelines for eligibility based on credits:

1. Juniors with less than ten (10) Credits;
2. Seniors with less than sixteen (16) credits.

Alternative education plans may also be used for students in special circumstances with administrative approval.

GED Option 2 Program (GEDO #2)

An alternate path to a District diploma is the completion of the high school's GED Option 2 program. This program has strict enrollment requirements and allows a student who is at least seventeen (17) years of age to work towards successful completion of the GED testing program. Once the student completes all of the requirements, the student is awarded a District diploma and is eligible to participate in the subsequent graduation ceremony. Participation in this program is contingent upon DPI approval of the District's program and compliance with the requirements of Wis. Admin Code PI 5.

Graduation Activities and Ceremony

A student may be denied participation in graduation activities for disciplinary reasons and/or for non-payment of fees. The District Administrator and high school principal may establish additional requirements for participation in the graduation activities and may organize said activities to have the appearance and decorum deemed reflective of the District.

Beginning with the graduating class of 2025-26, all graduation ceremonies will take place indoors.    

Revised 3/15/11
Revised 10/26/11
Revised 1/16/13
Revised 3/20/13
Revised 5/7/14
Revised 11/16/16
Revised 9/23/20
T.C. 8/16/23
Revised 10/23/24

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