Revised 5/2003

Graduation Requirements Options

Integrating Parent Choice Parental choice in education is the basis of the curricular options leading to student graduation. This Charter School allows students the ability to fulfill graduation requirements in a manner consistent with the philosophy of the school. Consequently, opportunities for fulfilling graduation requirements are numerous.

In order to earn a diploma from this Charter School, a student must fulfill requirements in the seven growth areas which, as specified in the charter, constitute an educated person in the 21st century, and pass the CAHSEE. Each student and his/her parent selects from a menu the means by which the student will demonstrate his/her ability in each growth area. The choices in each area fall into four categories: Carnegie units/credits,Charter School demonstration models, student-developed demonstration model, acceptable standardized tests (adult students only).

Options for Meeting Graduation Requirements The first option is Carnegie units or credits. Most schools in the United States of America base requirements for graduation on this measurement by which a student earns units for completing a certain amount of schoolwork within a specified amount of time. Traditionally, when a student passes a semester of math he/she receives five credits of math. Schools using this system set a minimum of units in each subject area required for graduation.

This Charter School requires 210 Carnegie units to graduate, as well as the passing of the CAHSEE. These units must be divided among the seven growth areas as shown below. In addition, certain growth areas require a specific number of credits in specific courses. Details are shown on the Graduation Requirements Menu. Extra units in a growth area may be used to meet the electives requirement.

* Communication: 30

* Life Skills: 50

* History: 25

* Politics: 5

* Mathematics: 20

* Science: 20

* Electives: 60

* Passing of CAHSEE

This Charter School does not measure the length of time a student spends on a subject area but expects the student to cover and master the educational material in order to earn Carnegie units. This allows the parent and student to design a plan of rapid mastery in order for the student to graduate in less than four years. It also provides for parents to choose a more concentrated and lengthy course of study. A student earns a diploma when he/she has completed the required units with acceptable results. Certification of the units required in each area is in the traditional manner by a certified teacher.

A student who does not desire confinement to a regimented curriculum may choose this method or create his/her own demonstration based on the Charter School rubrics. Student-developed demonstrations must be pre-approved by a committee, but allow a great deal of flexibility without compromising the integrity of the school's diploma.

Standardized Tests This option is for adults only and can be accomplished by taking the GED, “not offered by our school”.

If a student opts to test out of a growth area, any classes taken in that area cannot be used to meet the 60 elective units requirement.

Graduation Planning Planning for graduation should begin early and should include the ES, parent and student. If the student has been in the Charter School for a while, then the discussion of future educational or employment plans has probably already occurred. If the student is transferring from another school, they need to be as fully informed as soon as possible about graduation requirements. It is the responsibility of the ES to make sure that the parent is fully informed regarding graduation. If the parent has Internet connection, you can refer them to the online Graduation Requirements Handbook.

The parent and student will want to consider the various choices available to them and make a decision about how the student will meet graduation requirements based on individual goals and needs. Refer to Graduation Requirements Options and Endorsements for a more detailed description of the graduation choices.