Graduation Requirements

High school students in Washington state are now required to meet a series of new, rigorous graduation requirements before they earn a high school diploma.

The class of 2008 will be the first required to meet the new graduation requirements, which include, among other things, earning the Certificate of Academic Achievement by passing the 10th-grade Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) in reading, and writing by the end of high school.

Please see the link to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction for requirements on Earning a Diploma: The Class of 2009 and Beyond.
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The brochure and Superintendent's message provided below are designed to help students and parents understand and prepare for these new graduation requirements.

Brochure - 'Making Sense of the New Graduation Requirements' - PDF File 139K

Dear Parents and Guardians,
As a parent of an 8th-grader, you should be aware of new graduation requirements that begin with the class of 2008, the year your child should graduate. These new state-mandated prerequisites are required of all students in order for them to graduate.

Now, in addition to earning a minimum of 22 credits, graduates must:

• Earn a Certificate of Academic Achievement by passing the 10th-grade WASL in reading, writing and math by the end of high school. (Science will be added starting with the class of 2010.) Some students may earn a Certificate of Individual Achievement by passing an alternative test.
• Complete a culminating project that integrates their experiences and knowledge.
• Craft an education plan for high school and beyond.
• Complete senior academic core classes.

Scholastic Credits
The Renton School District’s graduation requirement calls for students to take a minimum of 22 credits. Credits by subject area are:

• 3 English
• 2 Mathematics
• 2 Science (including one lab)
• 3 Social Studies
• 2.5 Health/Fitness
• 7 Electives
• 1.5 Occupational Education
• 1 Visual or Performing Arts

Certificate of Academic Achievement/Certificate of Individual Achievement
A Certificate of Academic Achievement is earned through success on the reading, writing, & mathematics sections of the high school WASL and, with the exception of some special education students, is required for public high school graduation beginning in 2008. Students will have multiple opportunities to pass the WASL. A student’s transcript will include his/her highest score and WASL level. Private and home-schooled students are not subject to the requirement. Special education students who cannot be appropriately assessed by the WASL, even with accommodations, may earn a Certificate of Individual Achievement by using multiple ways to demonstrate their skills and abilities. A student’s transcript will indicate whether the student earned a Certificate of Academic Achievement or a Certificate of Individual Achievement.

Culminating Project
A Culminating Project is an integrated learning experience allowing students to demonstrate their ability to:
• Think analytically, logically and creatively.
• Integrate experience and knowledge to form reasoned judgments and solve problems.
• Understand the importance of work and how performance, effort and decisions affect future career and educational opportunities.

Renton School District Culminating Project Brochure - PDF 75K

High School and Beyond Plan
The High School and Beyond Plan asks students to craft an education plan their freshman year for meeting high school graduation requirements and successfully connecting to their next education step (college, technical training or work). The intent is to help students identify post-secondary interests (education, work, travel, military, etc.) by thinking about their future, taking classes to prepare themselves, and providing a motivation for the future.

Senior Academic Core classes
In the senior year, a student’s education plan will include a number of academic core classes, including a minimum of two classes per semester from: English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, World Languages, and/or other courses tailored to fit the student’s post-high school plan approved by the principal or designee.

As parents, your help with the education process is more important than ever before. Your child should know you value education and that their success in school is paramount to their success in life. Please continue to:

• Talk to your child about his/her schoolwork.
• Ask about homework; ask to see completed assignments and grades on schoolwork.
• Stay in contact with your child’s teachers.
• Come to school open houses and parent conferences.

For more information on graduation requirements, the WASL, and other education efforts, visit these Web sites:

This new OSPI Web site was developed to help families and students understand the expectations that take effect with the class of 2008 and beyond.

A high school diploma is more than a rite of passage. It should signify to everyone – college, employers and students – that the student worked hard, challenged him/herself, gained a solid foundation of skills and knowledge and is prepared for life’s next steps.

These new requirements are achievable and Renton’s teachers and staff will continue to work hard to ensure your child is ready to meet these challenges.

Sincerely,
Mary Alice Heuschel
Superintendent