Graduation in Jefferson County Public Schools
Graduation from Jefferson County high schools is a culminating event that results from the foundations built at the elementary and middle levels. Graduation is a collaborative effort among levels in a student’s public school career. Each level of school and each staff member or parent/guardian who instructs or counsels a student shares responsibility for the ultimate ability of that student to demonstrate proficiency in the content standards and to meet the expectations for graduation.
Role of the Elementary Level (Kindergarten Through Grade Six) in Graduation
At the elementary level, schools will provide yearly instruction and assessment in content standards in English language arts, mathematics, science, history, economics, geography, civics, music, visual arts, and physical education. Schools will provide interventions to prepare students for middle level education in Jefferson County. In addition, as part of building citizenship skills, the elementary schools will instruct students about, and expect students to adhere to, the Student Conduct Code.
Role of the Middle Level (Grades Seven and Eight) in Graduation
At the middle level, schools will continue to provide instruction and assessment in content standards. This instruction shall include a minimum of two years of English language arts, two years of mathematics, two years of science, and two years of social studies, including instruction in civics, geography, history, and economics. Middle schools with grades six through eight will provide three years of instruction in English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. Students will also have the opportunity to expand their talents and interests through an exploratory/electives program that provides instruction in content standards. As determined by each middle school, this exploratory/electives program may include any combination of the following courses: visual arts, music, technical education, world languages, physical education, health, consumer and family studies, computer/keyboarding/business, and other appropriate middle level course offerings. Schools will provide interventions to prepare students for high school education in Jefferson County. In addition, the middle schools will instruct students about, and expect students to adhere to, the Student Conduct Code.
Role of the Comprehensive High School in Graduation
The comprehensive high school in Jefferson County has been designed to serve the needs of students in grades nine through twelve. The comprehensive high school will balance core academic expectations for all students in the achievement of content standards while serving the diverse talents and interests of our students. It is the joint responsibility of staff, students, and parents/guardians to ensure that students meet the core academic expectations and develop those talents and interests over the four years of high school.
The comprehensive high school in Jefferson County will provide students with the academic skills to pursue further education and to be a competent member of the workforce. In addition, students will be instructed about, and be expected to be, participating citizens. Students will adhere to the Student Conduct Code up to and including the day of graduation. Graduation shall be the culminating event for students after they have met the requirements for a Jefferson County diploma.
Definition of Graduation
The following criteria shall entitle a student to a diploma from a Jefferson County high school.
- Achievement in content standards as demonstrated by mastery of the curriculum which may include, but is not limited to, daily classroom assignments, the Colorado Student Assessment Program, the district assessment program, classroom assessments, and student participation in, and completion of, assigned projects.
- Completion of 22 credits in grades nine through twelve in the prescribed categories listed below.
- Completion of the requirements and goals as listed on a student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) which may include modified content standards.
Requirements for a High School Diploma
English Language Arts.............................................................................Four credits
Social Studies...........................................................................................Three credits
- Including History, Geography, Civics, and Economics
Mathematics..............................................................................................Two credits
- At least one credit must be at the level of Algebra I or above
Science .....................................................................................................Two credits
Physical Education/Health.........................................................................One-half credit
Fine/Practical Arts.....................................................................................One-half credit
Approved Electives................................................................................... Ten credits
CROSS REFERENCE:
IKF - R, Graduation Requirements (classes of 2008 - 2012)
IHCDA, Post secondary Options Enrollment |