HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION OPTIONS FOR A STANDARD DIPLOMA

CURRICULUM BULLETIN - 1 FRONTMATTER
High School Graduation Options for a Standard Diploma

There are three options for high school graduation, two of which are accelerated options. Students and their parents may select from one of the three options, although if the student and his/her parents do not select a graduation option, the student will be considered to have selected the four-year 24-credit standard program. All three options require students to earn a passing score on the 10th grade FCAT and successfully complete of the required courses listed in the chart entitled A 2005-2006 Graduation Options and Course Requirements.

The graduation options are as follows:

1. A four-year, 24-credit standard program;
2. A three-year, 18-credit college preparatory program; and
3. A three-year, 18-credit career preparatory program.

Prior to selecting one of the two accelerated programs the following requirements must be met:

1. The requirements, advantages, and disadvantages of each graduation option are to be explained to the student and his/her parents.

2. A signed parental consent must be submitted to the principal and guidance counselor to enroll in either one of the accelerated programs.

3. On the most recent assessments taken by the student, he/she must have scored at least an achievement level of 3 on both the reading and mathematics portions of the FCAT and at least a score of 3 on the FCAT Writing.

The requirements for the two accelerated options were changed by the Florida Legislature; however, students who selected an accelerated program prior to July 1, 2004, may continue that program and be responsible for the requirements in force at that time.

Advanced level courses completed by a student in grades 6 - 8 can be applied to the requirements for all three graduation options. However, the student and his/her parents/guardians are reminded that high school credits earned prior to 9th grade, as well as through the adult education program are not recognized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) toward a student's eligibility to participate in college athletics. For information regarding athletic scholarships and eligibility, it is recommended that contact be made with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at www.ncaa.org or the athletic director at the students school.

A student who has selected the three-year, 18-credit options and is considering enrollment in a magnet school/program, industry-focused academy, or vocational/technical preparation program will need to inquire about the requirements of the specific program. There are certain programs which have requirements that would not be able to be met within either accelerated option. The Lead Teacher of the individual programs will be able to explain the requirements of a given program and whether or not it would be possible to meet those requirements within the accelerated option.

In order to graduate, a student who has selected the four-year, 24-credit standard program, must demonstrate mastery of the Sunshine State Standards, including basic computer literacy skills, and complete a community service project. In order to be promoted to the 10th grade, a 9th grade student must have earned a minimum of four credits, which includes one credit in English/ESOL or one credit in mathematics. To be promoted to the 11th grade, a 10th grade student must have earned a minimum of 10 credits, which includes two credits in English/ESOL or two credits in mathematics. To be promoted to the 12th grade, an 11th grade student must have earned a minimum of 16 credits, which includes three credits in English/ESOL and three credits in mathematics. For a student enrolled in either one of the two accelerated graduation programs, the student must earn at least five credits by the end of grade 9 and earn 11 credits by the end of grade 10.