GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

po5460Adopted January 1, 2002Revised May 15, 2025

5460 - GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

In order to acknowledge each student's successful completion of the instructional program, appropriate to the achievement of District goals and objectives as well as personal proficiency, the Board of Education awards a diploma to eligible students at a graduation ceremony.

The Board of Education shall award a regular high school diploma to every student enrolled in this District who meets the requirements of graduation established by State law and this Board or who properly completes the goals and objectives specified in the student's individualized education program (IEP) including either the exemption from or the requirement to complete the tests required by the State Board of Education in order to graduate. In addition to earning course credits, each student must show competency and readiness.

Course Credits Required for Graduation

The requirements for graduation from high school include earning twenty (20) units of credit in grades nine (9) through twelve (12) as established in State law and this Board and fulfilling the requirements of one (1) graduation pathway that has been approved by the State. All students must complete at least two (2) semesters of fine arts.

All students must receive instruction in economics and financial literacy during grades nine (9) through twelve (12). Additionally, all students must receive instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automated external defibrillator from an approved source during grades nine (9) through twelve (12) unless the student is exempted from such training due to a disability or by written request of the parent.

Physical Education Waiver

Students who have participated in interscholastic athletics, marching band, show choir, or cheerleading for at least two (2) full seasons, as defined in the handbook, while enrolled in grades nine (9) through twelve (12) and as documented by the Guidance Counselor, may be excused from the high school physical education requirement. Students electing such an excuse shall complete one-half (1/2) unit of at least sixty (60) hours of instruction in another course of study which is designated by the Board as meeting the high school curriculum requirements. 

Credit may be earned by:

  1. completing coursework;
  2. testing out of or demonstrating mastery of course content; or
  3. pursuing one (1) or more educational options in accordance with the District's Credit Flexibility Program.

Credit may be earned at an accredited postsecondary institution through College Credit Plus (CCP).

Every high school may permit students below the ninth grade to take advanced work for credit. This work shall count toward the graduation requirements if it was both:

  1. taught by a person who possesses a license/certificate issued under State law that is valid for teaching high school;
  2. designated by the Board as meeting the high school curriculum requirements.

No student shall be required to remain in school for any specific number of semesters or other terms if the student completes the required curriculum early.

Competency Requirements

To graduate, students must earn a “competency” score on the state Algebra I and English Language Arts II tests. Students who do not pass the test will be offered appropriate remediation and supports and will retake the test at least once. In lieu of attaining competency scores on the state tests, students can demonstrate competency by one (1) of the following:

  1. Obtain a remediation-free score in the math or English subject areas on the ACT or SAT.
  2. Complete two (2) of the following options, with at least one (1) of the options being a foundational option:
     
    1. Foundational Options: obtain proficient scores on three (3) or more WebXams in a single career pathway, earn a twelve (12) point approved industry-recognized credential or group of credentials, or complete a pre-apprenticeship program recognized by the Ohio State Apprentice Council, a registered apprenticeship in the student’s chosen career field, or show evidence of acceptance into an approved apprenticeship program restricted to participants eighteen (18) years of age or older.
    2. Supporting Options: complete a 250-hour work-based learning experience with evidence of positive evaluations, earn the required score on WorkKeys, or earn the OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal.
  3. Enlist in the military and present evidence of a signed contract to enter a branch of the U.S. armed services upon graduation.
  4. Earn credit for a college-level math and/or college-level English course in the subject(s) not passed on the state exams through the College Credit Plus Program.

Readiness Requirements

Students must demonstrate readiness for graduation by earning at least two (2) diploma seals, one (1) of which must include a State-approved seal from the following list:

  1. Seal of Biliteracy;
  2. OhioMeansJobs-Readiness Seal;
  3. Industry-Recognized Credential Seal;
  4. College-Ready Seal;
  5. Military Seal;
  6. Citizenship Seal;
  7. Science Seal;
  8. Honors Diploma Seal;
  9. Community Service Seal:
  10. Fine and Performing Arts Seal;
  11. Student Engagement Seal;
  12. Technology Seal.

An honors diploma shall be awarded to any student who meets the established requirements for graduation or the requirements of the student's IEP; attains the applicable scores on the tests required by the State Board of Education to graduate; and meets any additional criteria the State Board may establish.

Participation in commencement exercises is a privilege and not a right. Commencement exercises will include only those students who have successfully completed the requirements for graduation as certified by the high school principal or those students who have otherwise been deemed eligible to participate in such exercises. A student may be denied participation in the ceremony of graduation when personal conduct so warrants. However, no student who has completed the requirements for graduation shall be denied a diploma as a disciplinary measure. 

The Board also shall grant a diploma of adult education to all District residents over the age of twenty-one (21) who meet the requirements established by the State Board of Education.

The Superintendent shall establish whatever administrative guidelines are necessary to comply with State rules and regulations. The District shall comply with all data reporting requirements regarding graduation and post-high school outcomes.

Revised 11/03
Revised 10/16/07
Revised 2/19/09
Revised 12/17/09
Revised 2/17/11
Revised 4/19/12
Revised 12/20/12
Revised 6/18/15 
Revised 5/18/17
Revised 4/13/23

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