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Littleton Public Schools Policy |
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Policy Code IKF Policy Name Graduation Requirements Adoption August 3, 1993 Revised February 12, 2009 |
The Board of Education approves all graduation requirements, and because school-centered decision making is valued, the requirements for graduation could vary among the Littleton Public Schools’ high schools. Graduation requirements reflect the standards of both the District and the individual school, yet in every school, the requirements shall be consistent with the mission, strategic plan outcomes, priorities, values, and student learning outcomes which have been adopted by the Board of Education.
The District provides an excellent instructional program and expects each school, student, and parents/guardian to give careful attention to the educational and career goals of the student. The requirements reflect the minimum program that a student can complete and still earn a high school diploma. Our students are encouraged, counseled, and guided to pursue a challenging academic program that exceeds the minimum program in preparation for college readiness, post-secondary education, or the workforce.
Based on four years of high school, grades 9 –12, Arapahoe High School requires a minimum of 188 credits, Heritage High School requires a minimum of 188 credits, and Littleton High School requires a minimum of 210 credits. The differences in course requirements and credit requirements for Arapahoe and Heritage high schools and Littleton High School are the result of additional requirements, the length of class periods, and scheduling requirements. The total credits required for graduation from each high school vary due to differences in the design of the daily schedule, but represent basic equivalency in actual instructional time.
A semester credit is defined as credit awarded for successful completion of a course scheduled for one class period 45 to 60 minutes in length, one period per week for one semester.
One type of diploma will be granted to graduates of the District. This diploma will be granted upon the successful completion of required course work.
Alternative course offerings are a part of the program of studies and shall be given credit accordingly.
Students who meet minimum graduation requirements shall receive diplomas. A written Individual Education Plan (IEP) shall be developed for each student who is determined to be disabled in accordance with established definitions and policies. Such a plan shall describe necessary modification to requirements as established through District procedures. Any changes related to the overall required number of credit hours, deletion or substitution of required courses, special provisions related to minimum competencies, or necessary requirement changes within the individual courses shall be specified on the student’s IEP. Each student’s IEP is to be written annually by a committee in accordance with state and federal law. The IEP shall serve as the plan regarding the required course work for graduation of the student and the granting of a high school diploma.
Students certified by their high school principals as having satisfactorily completed the District-approved program for graduation will be permitted to participate in the commencement ceremonies of their respective high schools, unless determined otherwise by the building principal. A senior transfer student receiving a diploma from another school may also participate in commencement ceremonies.
Interdisciplinary courses of study shall have a primary subject area credit designation. Prior approval by the principal is necessary if interdisciplinary credit is to be granted in an area other than in the primary subject area.
The minimal student competencies required of students for graduation shall be related to courses of study within the curriculum. These minimal competencies are to be incorporated within the outcomes of existing required courses of study.
Students shall be deemed to have demonstrated competencies by successful completion of the courses at the minimal level in language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, physical education, practical arts and fine arts as outlined by the curricula and as approved by the Board in these subject areas.
Early graduation is allowed at the end of the seventh semester, provided all requirements for graduation have been met. Early graduation before the end of the seventh semester must be reviewed and approved by the principal. Students who complete their work at midyear and are eligible to graduate shall receive their diploma at the end of the school year and may return to take part in the graduation exercises at that time. Students transferring to the District during their senior year shall not be graduated before completion of eight full semesters, including course work and residency from preceding schools. These senior transfer students shall be expected to carry a minimum senior course load while enrolled in the District.
Individual student study programs and extension credit may be allowed for either required or elective graduation credit if cooperatively developed by the student and the appropriate subject area teacher and approved by the principal.
The Board recognizes the need to consider granting waivers of specific graduation requirements for those students most affected by revisions to this policy. The high school principal shall have the authority to waive such portions of these Graduation Requirements as may be deemed appropriate.