Code: IKF

Readopted:  5/20/19, 6/20/23

Adopted:  2/26/18

 

The Board establishes graduation requirements for awarding of a high school diploma, a modified diploma, an extended diploma and an alternative certificate which meet or exceed state requirements.

A student may satisfy graduation requirements in less than four years. The district will award a diploma to a student fulfilling graduation requirements in less than four years if consent is given by the student’s parent or guardian or by the student if the student is 18 years of age or older or emancipated.

If the district requires diploma requirements beyond the state requirements, the district shall grant a waiver for those requirements to any student who, at any time from grade 9 to 12, was:

1. A foster child^[1];
2. Homeless;
3. A runaway;
4. A child in a military family covered by the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children;
5. A child of a migrant worker; or
6. Enrolled in the Youth Corrections Education Program or the Juvenile Detention Education Program.

For any student identified above, the district shall accept any credits earned by the student in an an accredited educational program, applying those credits toward the state requirements for a diploma if the credits satisfied those requirements in that educational program in this state.

Diploma

 A high school diploma will be awarded to students in grades 9 through 12 who complete a minimum of 24 credits^[2] which include at least:

1. Three credits in mathematics (shall include one unit at the Algebra I level and two units that are at a level higher than Algebra I);
2. Four credits in language arts (shall include the equivalent of one unit in written composition);
3. Three credits in science;
4. Three credits in social sciences (which includes a minimum of 0.5 credits in civics, in addition to history, geography and economics (including personal finance);
5. One credit in health education;
6. One credit in physical education; and
7. Three credits in world languages^[3], career technical education or the arts (units shall be earned in any one or a combination).

The district shall offer students credit options provided the method for obtaining such credits is described in the student’s personal education plan and the credit is earned by meeting requirements described in Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 581-022-2025.

To receive a diploma, in addition to credit requirements outlined in OAR 581-022-2000, a student must^[4]:

1. Develop an education plan and build an education profile;
2. Demonstrate extended application through a collection of evidence; and
3. Participate in career-related learning experiences.

Modified Diploma

A modified diploma will be awarded only to students who have demonstrated the inability to meet the full set of academic standards adopted by the State Board of Education for a diploma while receiving reasonable modifications and accommodations. A modified diploma may only be awarded to a student who meets the eligibility criteria below and other criteria, if applicable, outlined in OAR 581-022-2010(3):

1. Has a documented history of an inability to maintain grade level achievement due to significant learning and instructional barriers; or
2. Has a documented history of a medical condition that creates a barrier to achievement.

Having met the above eligibility criteria, a modified diploma will be awarded to students who, while in grade nine through completion of high school, complete 24 credits which shall include:

1. Three credits in language arts;
2. Two credits in mathematics;
3. Two credits in science;
4. Two credits in social sciences (must include a minimum of 0.5 credits in civics in addition to history, geography and economics (including personal finance));
5. One credit in health education;
6. One credit in physical education; and
7. One credit in career technical education, the arts or world languages (units may be earned in any one or a combination).

Students may earn additional credits to earn a modified diploma pursuant to OAR 581-022-2010.

In addition to credit requirements as outlined in OAR 581-022-2010, a student must:

1. Develop an education plan and build an education profile; and
2. Demonstrate extended application through a collection of evidence.

Districts may make modifications to the assessment for students who seek a modified diploma when the following conditions are met:

1. For a student on an individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan, any modifications to work samples must be consistent with the requirements established in the IEP or 504 plan. Modifications include practices and procedures that compromise the intent of the assessment through a change in learning expectations, construct, or content that is to be measured, grade level standard, or measured outcome of the assessment. This means that IEP or 504 school teams responsible for approving modifications for a student’s assessment may adjust the administration of the assessment and/or the assessment’s achievement standard;
2. For a student not on an IEP or 504 plan, any modifications to work samples must have been provided to the student during their instruction in the content area to be assessed and in the year in which the student is being assessed, and modifications must be approved by the school team that is responsible for monitoring the student’s progress toward the modified diploma.

Students not on an IEP or a Section 504 Plan may not receive a modified Smarter Balanced assessment.

A student’s school team shall decide that a student should work toward a modified diploma no earlier than the end of grade six and no later than two years before the student’s anticipated exit from high school.

A student’s school team may decide to revise a modified diploma decision.

A student’s school team may decide that a student who was not previously working toward a modified diploma should work toward one when the student is less than two years from anticipated exit from high school if the documented history has changed.

Beginning in grade five or beginning after a documented history to qualify for a modified diploma, the district shall annually provide to the parents or guardians of the student, information about the availability and requirements of a modified diploma.

Extended Diploma

An extended diploma will be awarded only to students who have demonstrated the inability to meet the full set of academic content standards adopted by the State Board of Education for a diploma while receiving modifications and accommodations. To be eligible for an extended diploma, a student must:

1. While in grade nine through completion of high school, complete 12 credits, which may not include more than six credits in a self-contained special education classroom and will include:

a.       Two credits in mathematics;
b.       Two credits in language arts;
c.       Two credits in science;
d.       Three credits in history, geography, economics and a minimum of 0.5 credits                       in civics;
e.       One credit in health;
f.        One credit in physical education; and
g.       One credit in the arts or a world language.

2.  Have a documented history of:

a.       An inability to maintain grade level achievement due to significant learning                         and instructional barriers;
b.      A medical condition that creates a barrier to achievement; or
c.       A change in the student’s ability to participate in grade level activities as a                             result of a serious illness or injury that occurred after grade eight.

Beginning in grade five or beginning after a documented history to qualify for an extended diploma, the district shall annually provide to the parents or guardians of the student, information about the availability and requirements of an extended diploma.

Alternative Certificates

Alternative certificates will be awarded to students who do not satisfy the requirements for a diploma, a modified diploma, or an extended diploma if the students meet minimum requirements established by the district.

Beginning in grade five or beginning after a documented history to qualify for an alternative certificate, the district shall annually provide to the parents or guardians of the student, information about the availability and requirements of an alternative certificate.

Other District Responsibilities

The district will ensure that students have onsite access to the appropriate resources to achieve a diploma, a modified diploma, an extended diploma, or an alternative certificate at each high school. The district will provide age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate literacy instruction to all students until graduation.

The district may not deny a student the opportunity to pursue a diploma with more stringent requirements than a modified diploma or an extended diploma for the sole reason the student has the documented history listed under the above modified diploma or extended diploma requirements.

The district may award a modified diploma or an extended diploma to a student only upon the written consent of a student who is emancipated or who has reached the age of 18 at the time the modified or extended diploma is awarded, or the student’s parent or guardian. The district shall receive the written consent during the school year in which the modified diploma or the extended diploma is awarded.

A student shall have the opportunity to satisfy the requirements for a modified diploma, an extended diploma or an alternative certificate in the later of four years after starting the ninth grade, or until the student reaches the age of 21 if the student is entitled to a public education until the age of 21 under state or federal law.

A student may satisfy the requirements for a modified diploma, an extended diploma or an alternative certificate in less than four years but not less than three years. To satisfy the requirements for a modified diploma, an extended diploma or an alternative certificate in less than four years, the student’s parent or guardian or a student who is emancipated or has reached the age of 18 must provide written consent which clearly states the parent, guardian or student is waiving the fourth year and/or years until the student reaches the age of 21. A copy of the consent will be forwarded to the district superintendent who will annually report to the Superintendent of Public Instruction the number of such consents.

A student who qualifies to receive or receives a modified diploma, an extended diploma, or an alternative certificate shall have the option of participating in a high school graduation ceremony with the student’s class.

A student who receives a modified diploma, an extended diploma, or an alternative certificate shall have access to instructional hours, hours of transition services and hours of other services that are designed to meet the unique needs of the student and when added together provide a total number of hours of instruction and services that equals at least the total number of instructional hours that are required to be provided to students who are attending a public high school.

The district will award to students with disabilities a document certifying successful completion of program requirements. No document issued to students with disabilities educated in full or in part in a special education program shall indicate that the document is issued by such a program. When a student who has an IEP completes high school, the district will give the student an individualized summary of performance.

Eligible students with disabilities are entitled to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) until the age of 21, even if they have earned a modified diploma, an extended diploma, an alternative certificate or completion of a General Education Development document. The continuance of services for students with disabilities for a modified diploma, extended diploma or alternative certificate is contingent on the IEP team determining the student’s continued eligibility and special education services are needed.

Students and their parents will be notified of graduation and diploma requirements.

The district may not deny a diploma to a student who has opted out of statewide assessments if the student is able to satisfy all other requirements for the diploma. Students may opt out of the Smarter Balanced or alternate Oregon Extended Assessment by completing the Oregon Department of Education’s Opt-out Form^[5] and submitting the form to the district.

The district will issue a high school diploma pursuant to Oregon law (ORS 332.114) to a veteran if the veteran resides within the boundaries of the district or is an Oregon resident and attended a high school of the district, or to a deceased veteran, upon request from a representative of the veteran, if the deceased veteran resided within the boundaries of the district at the time of death or was an Oregon resident at the time of death and attended a high school of the district.

The act of student-initiated test impropriety is prohibited. A student that participates in an act of student-initiated test impropriety will be subject to discipline. “Student-initiated test impropriety” means student conduct that is inconsistent with the Test Administration Manual or accompanying guidance; or results in a score that is invalid.

END OF POLICY

Legal Reference(s)

ORS 329.007
ORS 329.045
ORS 329.451
ORS 329.479
ORS 332.107
ORS 332.114
ORS 336.585
ORS 336.590
ORS 339.115
ORS 339.505
ORS 343.295

OAR 581-021-0009
OAR 581-022-0102
OAR 581-022-2000
OAR 581-022-2005
OAR 581-022-2010
OAR 581-022-2015
OAR 581-022-2020
OAR 581-022-2025
OAR 581-022-2030
OAR 581-022-2115
OAR 581-022-2120
OAR 581-022-2505

Test Administration Manual, published by the Oregon Department of Education.

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[1] As defined in ORS 30.297.

[2]If the district has additional credit or graduation requirements, the district is required to include those additional credits and graduation requirements in the following lists. However, if the district provides an education as described in ORS 336.585 or 336.590 and awards high school diplomas, the district may not impose requirements for a high school diploma in those instances that are in addition to the requirements prescribed by ORS 329.451 (2)(a) or by rule of the State Board of Education.

[3] “World language” includes sign language, heritage language and languages other than a student’s primary language.

[4] The proficiency in Essential Skills requirement has been waived and is not a condition of receiving a high school diploma during the 2021-2022, 2022-2023 or 2023-2024 school year (Senate Bill 744, 2021).

[5] Oregon Department of Education page for: 30-day notice and opt-out form

Code: IKF-AR
Adopted: 4/17/81
Readopted: 1/23/24
Orig. Code: IKF/IKFA/IKH-AR

 

PROFICIENCY-BASED CREDIT 

All credit awarded by the Beaverton School District will be based upon evidence of proficiency in mastering the learning associated with each credit.  Most students will demonstrate the necessary proficiency and earn credit through courses taken as part of the regular school program.  However, students will have opportunities to earn credit outside such settings through the demonstration of proficiency.

Proficiency is defined as sufficient evidence of student-demonstrated knowledge and skills that meet or exceed defined levels of performance. The intent of offering credit for proficiency is to:

• Base the award of course credit on proficiency
• Provide more options for students
• Encourage student engagement in learning beyond the classroom in real-world contexts
• Personalize and bring increased relevance to a student's high school education

General Guidelines

Refer to the Application Procedures for Prior Learning or Out of Class Learning for specific procedures and forms.

• Not more than six (6) total credits toward graduation requirements may be earned through Proficiency-Based Credit Award Options outside the regular school program unless otherwise stipulated in the student's Education Plan.
• Evidence of proficiency used for credit options outside the regular school program must be current. Current is defined as produced within the previous twelve (12) calendar months unless otherwise stipulated in the student's Education Plan.
• Credits earned through the proficiency options outside the regular school program will earn a "Pass/Fail" grade.

Proficiency Credit for Prior Learning

1.  Student completes the Prior Learning Application and the Collection of Evidence Form and submits it to the counseling office at his/her home school.
2.  A building review committee will review the application using District agreements regarding the sufficiency of the proposed collection of proficiency evidence.  The student will be notified within 30 days if the application has been approved or denied.  If an application is denied, the specific reason(s) will be discussed with the student.  The committee may offer the student an opportunity to resubmit the application.  The site decision is final.
3. The student will prepare the collection of proficiency evidence according to criteria provided by the school and in compliance with the timeline provided.
4. The collection of proficiency evidence will be reviewed by a building committee that includes at least one teacher from the content area and at least one teacher who reviewed the initial application.  The committee will determine whether the evidence satisfies the proficiency criteria for the course to earn credit.  The determination of the committee will be recorded on an evaluation form that mirrors the proficiency criteria. A copy of this form will be kept on file at the school.  Another copy will be given to the student.  The site decision is final.

Proficiency Credit for Out of Class Learning

1.  Student submits a proficiency-based credit application according to the school's timeline.  As part of the application, the student will complete the companion Learning Experience Plan detailing the learning, the proficiency standards, the criteria for a sufficient collection of evidence, and the amount of credit to be awarded.
2.  A building review committee will review the application.  The student will be notified within 30 days if the application has been approved or denied.  If an application is denied, the specific reason(s) will be discussed with the student.  The committee may offer the student an opportunity to resubmit the application.  The site decision is final.
3.  The student will prepare the collection of proficiency evidence according criteria detailed in the Learning Experience Plan and in compliance with the timeline provided.
4.  The collection of proficiency evidence will be reviewed by a building committee that includes at least one teacher from the content area and at least one teacher who reviewed the initial application.  The committee will determine whether the evidence satisfies the proficiency criteria for the course to earn credit. The determination of the committee will be recorded on an evaluation form that mirrors the proficiency criteria. A copy of this form will be kept on file at the school.  Another copy will be given to the student.  The site decision is final.

TRANSFER CREDIT 

1. Credits awarded to students transferring into a Beaverton high school by high schools accredited by Cognia or one of its regional affiliates will be accepted as if the credits had been awarded in the District. 
   1. Credits awarded to enrolled BSD students from non-BSD accredited organizations will be accepted provided the student has received prior approval from his/her BSD high school.  
2. Credits from community colleges and private and public colleges and universities accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) or one of its regional affiliates will be accepted.
3. Credit for courses at Portland Community College or any accredited college or university will be awarded according to the following table: 

College Course Credit Hours	High School Credits
1 credit	1/4 credit except 1/2 credit for PE courses
2-4 credits	1/2 credit
5-6 credits	1 credit
7-9 credits	1 1/2
10-12 credits	2 credits
13> credits	3 credits

 

4. It is the responsibility of the student to be sure completion of college or university course work is properly reported to the school of enrollment for inclusion on his/her transcript.
5. International transcripts will be evaluated according to the procedures detailed in the "High School Counselor's Manual for Evaluation of International/Foreign Students' Transcripts for High School Credit."
6. For proficiency-based credit information, see “Proficiency-Based Credit” within this AR.  
7. Students who leave a Beaverton high school and do not transfer to another high school or attend a District sponsored high school completion option but subsequently complete diploma requirements through other institutions as detailed in this section may be awarded a diploma by the high school where they were previously enrolled if the following conditions are met:
   1. The diploma requirements in effect when the student left are all satisfied
   2. All necessary documentation is received by the high school counseling office.
   3. Graduates awarded diplomas through this process are not guaranteed participation in graduation activities and are not eligible for site-based honors related to commencement.
8. The school where the individual is seeking enrollment shall determine the best option for the individual and the school. If the school determines that enrollment is appropriate, guidelines detailed in this section will be followed in determining transfer credit.

REPEATING COURSES

1. Students may repeat courses for which they earned a D or below to address learning gaps or deficiencies and to assure a proficient level of readiness for future learning.  
2. If a higher grade is earned during the repeat of the course (or a semester of a year long course), then the original grade converts to an N (in the semester the course was originally taken) while the improved grade is noted for the semester in which the course was retaken.  If the same grade or a lower grade is earned, the original grade will remain and an N will be transcripted to indicate a repeated course.
3. Students may repeat courses at an outside accredited program or college to acquire the necessary learning.  Only original grades of “D” or “F” may be replaced in courses with the same content.

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS AND MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS

The District encourages students to perform at the highest academic levels.  Many middle school age students, though appropriately enrolled at the middle level, are ready and able to master high school curriculum.

If the student needs high school courses taken during middle school to be entered on the high school transcript in order to graduate early this option will be made available.  Such students who completed a high school course in mathematics or world languages that presented the same curriculum and proficiency demands as the high school course and was taught by a district teacher certified to teach the course at a high school will have the course entered on the student's high school transcript along with the letter grade awarded in middle school.

By granting credit, the District will reduce the established units of credit to be completed in grades 9 through 12 for high school graduation.

Middle school students who are not enrolled in a high school level course but believe they can demonstrate proficiency in a world language offered by the high school the student will be attending may be assessed to assure accurate program placement in high school.  If the student needs to satisfy a diploma requirement in this manner the student will utilize the credit for courses by evidence of proficiency process.

EARLY OR DELAYED GRADUATION

Most students will complete the requirements for a diploma in a four-year period.  However, it is beneficial for some students to satisfy these requirements in less than four years, and other students to have longer to earn a diploma.  The District will accommodate students desiring early graduation and those who require a longer period of time; not to exceed state limitations on age of high school attendance.

Accordingly, a student who wishes to take early graduation or delay graduation must initiate the request through the appropriate school counselor.  Early graduation means the completion of all requirements for graduation in less than four years.  Delayed graduation means the completion of all requirements for graduation in more than four years.  A personal conference to discuss the plan must be held among the counselor, the parent and the student and be reflected in the student's Education Plan.

The following factors should be considered in assessing the request:

• Student's present status and high school program;
• Student's age;
• Student's future plans and motivation;
• Parental desires;
• Outside institutions and resources available;
• Individual student's needs and goals;
• The need for the student to be able to continue or reenter future educational experiences smoothly;
• Other factors appropriate to the particular situation.

It is the responsibility of the counselor to recommend approval to the school administrator who will approve the plan.  The student and parent will be promptly notified.  Details regarding the responsibilities of both the school and the student will be included in the student's Education Plan.

During the time between the approval of the plan and actual graduation, the counselor and the student will maintain communication regarding the completion of the various credit requirements, subject matter courses and other requirements.  It is the responsibility of the student to notify the counselor regarding the completion of any out-of-school credits or course work or any change of plans.  The counselor's responsibilities include checking to see that all requirements are being met on time and that the proposed plan is being implemented.

Students participating in early graduation must have met all graduation requirements prior to graduation exercises.

A student on an IEP who plans to extend his/her program beyond the twelfth grade in order to meet requirements must include modifications in the IEP.  Eligible students with disabilities are entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education ("FAPE") until the age of 21, even if they have earned a modified diploma or Alternative Certificate.  The continuance of services for students with modified diplomas and alternative certificates is contingent on the IEP team determining services needed.