High School Graduation Requirements

The board will establish graduation requirements, which at a minimum satisfy those established by the State Board of Education. The board will approve additional graduation requirements as recommended by the superintendent or designee. Graduation requirements in effect when a student first enrolls in high school will remain in effect until that student graduates. The board will award a regular high school diploma to every student enrolled in the district who meets the requirements established by the district. Only one diploma will be awarded with no distinctions being made between the various programs of instruction that may be pursued.

I. REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATING
Each student must meet the following requirements to graduate from high school: (1) complete the credit requirements specified in the procedure accompanying this policy; (2) demonstrate career and college readiness by completing a high school and beyond plan; and (3) meet the requirements of at least one graduation pathway option described in the procedure accompanying this policy.

II. IMPLEMENTATION
The superintendent or designee will develop procedures for implementing this policy according to applicable state law.

Cross References:
2418 – Waiver of High School Graduation Credits
3520 – Student Fees, Fines, or Charges
3241 – Student Discipline
3110 – Qualification of Attendance and Placement

Legal References:
Laws of 2019, ch. 252, § 201 Graduation pathway options for the graduating class of 2020 and subsequent classes
RCW 28A.155.045 Certificate of individual achievement
RCW 28A.230.090 High school graduation requirements or equivalencies — High school and beyond plans – Career and college ready graduation requirements and waivers — Reevaluation of graduation requirements — Language requirements — Credit for courses taken before attending high school — Postsecondary credit equivalencies
RCW 28A.230.097 Career and technical high school course equivalencies
RCW 28A.230.120 High school diplomas — Issuance — Option to receive final transcripts — Notice
RCW 28A.230.122 International baccalaureate diplomas
RCW 28A.600.300-400 Running start program – Definition
RCW 28A.635.060 Defacing or injuring school property — Liability of pupil, parent or guardian — Withholding grades, diploma, or transcripts — Suspension and restitution — Voluntary work program as alternative — Rights protected
WAC 180-51 High school graduation requirements
WAC 392-121-182 Alternative learning experience requirements
WAC 392-169 Special service programs – Running start program
WAC 392-348 Secondary education
WAC 392-410 Courses of study and equivalencies
WAC 392-410-350 Seal of Biliteracy
WAC 392-415-070 Mandatory high school transcript contents – Items – Timelines

Management Resources:

2019 – July Issue
2018 – May Issue
2017 – October Policy Issue
2015 – October Policy Issue
2014 – December Issue
2013 – September Issue
2012 – April Issue
2011 – October Issue
2010 – June Issue
2009 – April Issue
2009 – February Issue
Policy News, August 2007 Graduation Requirements Modified by Legislature
Policy News, October 2004 Graduation Requirements: High School and Beyond Plans
Policy News, February 2004 High School Graduation Requirements
Policy News, December 2000 2004 High School Graduation Requirements Adopted
Policy News, April

Adoption Date:

Classification: Essential

Revised Dates: 12.00; 02.04; 10.04; 12.04; 08.07; 02.09; 04.09; 06.10; 10.11; 06.12; 09.13; 12.14; 04.15; 10.17; 05.18; 7.19