5025 |
|
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
The State Department of Education has established minimum standards for a student to receive a diploma, a certificate of attendance, or a special education diploma. Any student who meets those standards shall be awarded the appropriate diploma or certificate.
All graduation requirements, diplomas, and certificates shall be subject to approval of the Shelby County Board of Education.
To meet requirements for graduation, a student shall have attained an approved attendance, conduct and subject matter record which covers a planned program of education, and this record shall be kept on file in the high school.
The program of studies shall include areas and content in these areas within State Board of Education Regulations and shall be flexible enough to facilitate progress from one stage of development to another, thus providing for more effective student adjustment.
The pattern of courses which shall be required of all students in grades nine (9) through twelve (12) shall be in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the State Board of Education and the Shelby County Board of Education.
The total number of scholastic credits required for graduation must be earned while in attendance in grades nine (9) through twelve (12). Approved high school courses completed prior to grade nine (9) shall be noted on the student's high school cumulative record, recognized for placement in the next sequential level of the subject, calculated in grade point average, and included as scholastic elective credit.
Before graduation, every student shall (1) achieve specified units of credit; (2) pass the required competency tests or make passing scores on the required gateway tests (English II, Algebra I and Biology;1 and have (3) an opportunity to take an exit exam to assess readiness for the work place or higher education. (ACT, SAT or Work Keys)2
Special education students who successfully complete their Individualized Educational Program (IEP) and pass the required competency test or the required gateway tests shall be awarded a regular diploma. If the student does not attain a minimum score on the competency or gateway test, he/she shall be awarded a special education diploma upon graduation.3
Those who fail any part of the competency tests or required gateway tests shall be given the opportunity to be retested during any of the regularly scheduled administrations of the test.
Honors Diploma
In order to best prepare students for college and an ever more competitive
global job market Shelby County Schools supports, encourages, and motivates students
to challenge themselves by taking the most rigorous course of study.
Students eligible for the Honors Diploma must have earned twelve (12) Honors/Advanced Placement/Dual Enrollment credits (any combination) in grades 9 - 12 or a combination of such credits totaling twelve (12), with each Advanced Placement credit equal to 1.5 honors credits. A minimum of two (2) Honors or Advanced Placement or Dual Enrollment or university level courses is required during the senior year.
During the high school years, students will receive recognition through school developed incentives and or recognition programs. A qualified graduate will receive a diploma that indicates the honor status and Honors Diploma will be printed on the graduate's final high school transcript.
1TCA §49-6-6001; TRR/MS 0520-1-3.06
2TRR/MS 0520-1-3.06(3)
3TRR/MS 0520-1-3.06(1)(a)
Adopted 02/24/77
Revised 10/29/81
Revised 08/25/89
Edited (Effective August, 2000)
Revised 02/22/07
Edited 09/27/07
Revised 04/23/08
Revised 08/28/08
Revised 11/20/08