Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 160-4-2-.46 - High School Graduation Requirements for Students Enrolling in the Ninth Grade for the First Time in the 1997-98 School Year and Subsequent Years

(1) Purpose. This rule specifies programs of study that shall be offered by local boards of education. This rule becomes effective for students enrolling in the ninth grade for the first time in the 1997- 1998 school year and for subsequent years.

(2) Definitions.

(a) Applied Mathematics I-a hands-on laboratory course defined by QCC objectives that utilizes the content of units A, B, C, and 1- 15, the related materials, and the methodologies developed by the Center for Occupational Research and Development (CORD).

(b) Applied Mathematics II-a hands-on laboratory course defined by QCC objectives that utilizes the content of units 16-33, the related materials, and the methodologies developed by the Center for Occupational Research and Development (CORD).

(c) Carnegie unit-one unit of credit awarded for a minimum of 150 clock hours of instruction.

(d) Carnegie unit, summer school-one unit of credit awarded for a minimum of 120 clock hours of instruction.

(e) Center for Occupational Research and Development (CORD)- a consortium of states, including Georgia, formed to develop educational materials in science and mathematics.

(f) College Preparatory (CP) Program-a program of study requiring 22 Carnegie units as specified by the State Board of Education. Completion of this program is signified by a High School Diploma with a College Preparatory Seal.

(g) College Preparatory with Distinction (CP+)-a program requiring 24 Carnegie units and a grade point average in the Core Courses of 3.0 or above on a four point scale or 80 numeric grade point average or above as specified by the State Board of Education. Completion of this program is signified by a High School Diploma with a College Preparatory Seal of Distinction.

(h) Core Area of Study for Carnegie unit credit-one of the 10 identified sections from which courses may be selected to court as one of the 22 Carnegie unit requirements for the College Preparatory (CP) program of study or one of the 24 Carnegie unit requirements for the College Preparatory with Distinction (CP+) program of study or one of the 22 Carnegie unit requirements for the Technology/ Career Preparatory (TC) program of study or one of the 24 Carnegie unit requirements for the Technology/Career Preparatory (TC+) program of study.

(i) Core Courses (c)-courses chosen from English/language arts, mathematics, science, social studies and foreign language for a high school diploma. For a Technology/Career Preparatory program of study, four Technology/Career Preparatory units are also considered to be core courses.

(j) Core Technology/Career Preparatory Courses (tc)-courses chosen from to be used to meet requirements for the Technology/Career Preparatory or Technology/Career Preparatory with Distinction Programs of study.

(k) Early admissions-a program in which a high school student enrolls as a full-time postsecondary student and a postsecondary degree in lieu of a high school diploma.

(l) Elective course (e)-a course that a student may select beyond the core requirements to fulfill the Carnegie unit requirements for graduation.

(m) Joint enrollment-an arrangement between a local board of education and a regionally accredited postsecondary public or private institution wherein a student enrolls in postsecondary classes and earns Carnegie units of credit that count toward high school graduation requirements and hours for postsecondary credit.

(n) Postsecondary Options-a joint enrollment program between public schools and public postsecondary institutions wherein a student enrolls in postsecondary classes and earns Carnegie units of credit that count toward high school graduation requirements and postsecondary credit hours.

(o) Programs of study-the courses needed to complete the Technology/ Career Preparatory (TC) or the Technology/Career Preparatory with Distinction (TC+) and/or the College Preparatory (CP) or the College Preparatory with Distinction (CP+) Requirements.

(p) Required course (r)-a specific course that each student in a program of study shall pass to graduate from high school.

(q) Seal-an attachment placed on a high school diploma indicating the successful completion of one or more programs of study.

(r)Secondary School Credential-a document awarded to students at the completion of the high school experience.

1. The High School Diploma-the document with appropriate seal(s) awarded to students certifying that they have satisfied attendance requirements, Carnegie unit requirements and the state assessment requirements as referenced in Rule 160-3-1-.07 Testing Programs-Student Assessment. When a student has satisfied the educational requirements for the Technology/Career Preparatory or Technology/Career Preparatory with Distinction and/or College Preparatory and/or College Preparatory with Distinction Program(s), the high school diploma with appropriate seal(s) will be issued.

2. The High School Certificate-the document awarded to pupils who do not complete all of the criteria for a diploma but who meet all requirements for attendance and Carnegie units.

3. The Special Education Diploma-the document awarded to students with disabilities assigned to a special education program who have not met the state assessment requirements referenced in Rule 160-3-1-.07 Testing Programs-Student Assessment or who have not completed all of the requirements for a high school diploma but who have nevertheless completed their individualized Education Programs (IEP).

(s) Technology/Career Preparatory (TC) Program-a program of study requiring 22 Carnegie units as specified by the Georgia Board of Education. Completion of this program is signified by a high school diploma with a Technology/Career Preparatory Seal.

(t) Technology/Career Preparatory with Distinction (TC+) Program -a program of study requiring 24 Carnegie units and a grade point average in the Core Courses of 3.0 or above on a four point scale or 80 numeric grade point average as specified by the Georgia Board of Education. Completion of this program is signified by a high school diploma with a Technology/Career Preparatory Seal.

(3) Requirements.

(a) Local boards of education shall provide secondary school curriculum, instructional and support services that reflect the high school graduation and state assessments requirements and assist all students in developing their unique potential to function in society.

(b) Local boards of education shall base local graduation requirements on this rule, shall submit a copy of their locally adopted policy to the Georgia Department of Education and shall have on file a letter from the state superintendent of schools or designee stating that the local policy meets all state requirements.

(c) Each local board of education shall develop policies on postsecondary enrollment as referenced in Rule 160-4-2-.34 Postsecondary Options and for joint enrollment and early admission programs not included in 160-4-2-.34 Postsecondary Options. The policies shall include the criteria for:

1. Non-Technology/Career Preparatory courses as follows:

(i) Minimum Scholastic Aptitude Test scores of 970 on combined verbal and mathematics sections;

(ii) Minimum cumulative high school grade point average of 3.0 on a four point scale in academic subject.

(iii) Written verification by high school principal of student's eligibility and intended enrollment;

(iv) Written consent of parent or guardian (if the student is a minor);

(v) The awarding of six Carnegie units of credit for each 45 quarter hours or 30 semester hours or one Carnegie unit for each seven and one-half (7.5) quarter hours or five (5) semester hours successfully completed by a student in an approved postsecondary course. Credit for participation in fewer than seven and one-half (7.5) quarter hours or five (5) semester hours shall be determined by using the same ratio stated above.

(vi) Written agreement for joint enrollment between the local school system and postsecondary institution.

2. Technology/Career Preparatory courses as follows:

(i) Technology/Career Preparatory courses offered in area technology schools or colleges;

(ii) Inclusion of technical school or college courses in which students are participating;

(iii) Written consent of parent or guardian (if the student is a minor);

(iv) Written verification by high school principal of student's eligibility and intended enrollment;

(v) The awarding of six Carnegie units of credit for each 45 quarter hours or 30 semester hours or one Carnegie unit for each seven and one-half (7.5) quarter hours or five (5) semester hours successfully completed by a student in an approved postsecondary course. Credit for participation in fewer than seven and one-half (7.5) quarter hours or five (5) semester hours shall be determined by using the same ratio stated above.

(vi) Written agreement for joint enrollment between the local school system and postsecondary institution.

(d) Local boards of education shall require that:

1. Students who enroll from another state meet the graduation requirements for the graduating class they enter and the state assessment requirements as referenced in Rule 160-3-1-.07 Testing Programs-Student Assessment.

2. Students who enroll in the ninth grade for the first time in the 1997-1998 school year and withdraw shall meet the graduation requirements specified in this rule and the assessment requirements specified in Rule 160-3-1-.07 Testing Programs-Student Assessment.

(e) Local boards of education shall include attendance, a passing score on the state assessment requirements as referenced in Rule 160-3-1-.07 Testing Programs-Student Assessment and Carnegie units of credit as requirements for graduating from any Georgia high school that receives public funds.

1. Attendance.

(i) Attendance requirements of local boards of education shall be consistent with state compulsory attendance laws.

2. State assessment requirements as referenced in Rule 160-3-1-.07 Testing Programs-Student Assessment.

(i) Students shall meet state assessment requirements as referenced in Rule 160-3-1-.07 Testing Programs-Student Assessment to be eligible for a diploma.

(ii) A student who has no means of written communication due to a severe physical disability shall not be required to take the writing portion of the state assessment requirements as specified in Rule 160-3-1-.07 Testing Programs-Student Assessment.

3. Carnegie Units.

(i) All state-supported high schools shall make available to all students the programs of study for the required College Preparatory, College Preparatory with Distinction, Technology/Career Preparatory and Technology/Career Preparatory with distinction programs of study.

(ii) A course shall count only once for satisfying any Carnegie unit requirement for graduation. The same course cannot be used to satisfy a Carnegie unit requirement in more than one core area of study. See the following chart.

(iii) CORE AREAS OF STUDY CP CP+ TC TC+

(I) English/Language Arts* 4 4 4 4

(II) Mathematics* 4 4 3** 3**

(III) Science* 3 3 3 3

(IV) Social Studies* 3 3 3 3

(V) Health and Physical Education 1 1 1 1

(VI) Computer Technology and/or Fine Arts and/or Technology/Career-preparatory and/or Foreign Language 1 1 1 1

(VII) Foreign Language* 2 2 0 0**

(VIII) Technology/Career Preparatory units***

0 0 4 4

(From core Technology/Career Preparatory courses)

(IX) Locally required or elective units 4 4 3** 4**

(X) State Electives from Core Courses- (Courses with a single asterisk) and/or Fine Arts

0 2 0 1

(iv) TOTAL UNITS (MINIMUM) 22 24 22 24

*Core Courses.

**Technology/Career Preparatory students may want to utilize elective units as Foreign Language or as a fourth unit of mathematics depending upon the student's program of study and the student's intentions to enter a University System of Georgia institution. Determination of the appropriate number of mathematics units for each Technology/Career Preparatory program of study shall be determined by the local board of education. BY THE YEAR 2001, STUDENTS ENTERING A UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF GEORGIA INSTITUTION MUST HAVE 4 UNITS OF MATHEMATICS.

***Technology/Career Preparatory includes Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC). Note: Students who wish to be eligible for the HOPE Scholarship Program should check with their counselor regarding current HOPE Scholarship requirements.

4. Required/Core/Elective Credit.

(i) Carnegie unit credit for graduation shall be awarded only for courses that include concepts and skills based on the Quality Core Curriculum (QCC) or those approved by the State Board of Education.

(ii) Carnegie unit credit for core courses shall be awarded only for courses that include concepts and skills based on the QCC for grades 9-12. For example, a student who takes Algebra I in the eighth grade that meets 9-12 QCC requirements shall be awarded Carnegie unit credit. The Individualized Education Program (IEP) shall specify whether core courses taken as part of an IEP shall receive core Carnegie unit credit.

(iii) Only elective course credit or no course credit may be awarded for courses in which instruction is based on the QCC for grades K-8.

5. Areas of Study.

(I) Courses that shall earn Carnegie unit credit in English/language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, health/physical education, foreign languages, military science, music, visual arts, dance, drama, computer science, education, humanities, personal/interpersonal/ social skills and Technology/Career Preparatory are listed in Rule 160-4-2-.03 List of Funded K-8 Subjects and 9-12 Courses.

(II) Any student in the Technology/Career Preparatory (TC), Technology/ Career Preparatory with Distinction (TC+), College Preparatory (CP), or College Preparatory with Distinction (CP+) programs of study may select any course listed in the Course Listing Rule. The one exception to this provision is where the letter "r" appears with course names. These courses are required. They must be taken and cannot be substituted with any other course. Any course identified as "c" is a core course and may be selected to count as one of the core Carnegie unit requirements. Courses identified as "tc" will count as one of the four core Technology/Career Preparatory courses for a TC or TC+ program of study. A course identified as "e" is an elective course that may be selected beyond the core requirements to fulfill the Carnegie unit requirements.

(a) English/Language Arts: For the College Preparatory, College Preparatory with Distinction, Technology/Career Preparatory and Technology/Career Preparatory with Distinction programs of study, at least one-half Carnegie unit of credit in American literature/composition shall be required. This course shall be taught a minimum of two quarters or one semester. All the courses that may satisfy the remaining Carnegie units of credit for a College Preparatory, College Preparatory with Distinction, Technology/Career Preparatory or Technology/Career Preparatory with Distinction program are identified with a "c". The other courses identified with an "e" are electives. Grammar/composition shall be a component of all courses and shall be integrated into the course of study, not isolated.

(b) Mathematics: For the College Preparatory (CP) and College Preparatory with Distinction programs of study, four Carnegie units of credit of approved mathematics will be required. The student record shall show credit or equivalency for each of the core courses of Algebra I (27.061); Euclidean Geometry (27.063) or Informal Geometry (27.062); and Algebra II (27.064) and an additional course listed in the College Preparatory Mathematics (27.06) or Advanced Mathematics (27.07) categories. For the student who takes Applied Mathematics I (27.445) and Applied Mathematics II (27.446), the record shall show credit for Applied Mathematics I (27.445), Applied Mathematics II (27.446), Euclidean Geometry (27.064) or Informal Geometry (27.062), and Algebra II (27.064). The Technology/Career Preparatory (TC) and Technology/Career Preparatory with Distinction programs of study require that a student earn three Carnegie units of mathematics which shall include, as a minimum, Algebra I or its equivalent. To meet these requirements for Algebra I or its equivalent, a student shall earn a Carnegie unit in

(1) Algebra I, or

(2) Fundamentals of Algebra, or

(3) a locally developed course equivalent to Algebra I that has been approved by the Georgia Board of Education, or

(4) earn two Carnegie units by passing both Applied Mathematics I and II.

(c) Science: Students receiving the College Preparatory (CP) or the College Preparatory (CP+) with Distinction and/or the Technology/ Career Preparatory (TC) or Technology/Career Preparatory with Distinction (TC+) shall earn three (3) Carnegie units in science. Students earning the College Preparatory (CP) or College Preparatory with Distinction seal shall pass a Physical Science and a Life Science course. Students earning the Technology/Career Preparatory (TC) or Technology/ Career Preparatory with Distinction (TC+) seal shall meet the requirements for the College Preparatory (CP) or College Preparatory with Distinction seal or shall pass any three units of science including one physical science, one life science or two units of applied biology/chemistry. Science courses that meet the science requirements for graduation shall be year-long courses with the exception of the third Carnegie unit. All courses meeting the science requirements for graduation must be laboratory-based.

(d) Social Sciences: Three Carnegie units of credit shall be required in social studies for the College Preparatory (CP), College Preparatory (CP+), Technology/Career Preparatory or Technology/ Career Preparatory with Distinction (TC+) seal(s). One Carnegie unit shall be required in United States history. One Carnegie unit shall be required from the world studies area, e.g., world history or world geography. World history shall be required for the College Preparatory and College Preparatory with Distinction seals. One quarter or one semester of citizenship education (government) shall be required. One quarter or one semester of Principles of Economics/ Business/Free Enterprise shall be required. Systems organized on the quarter system shall add one other one-quarter social studies course from the political science/government area or from the economics area or from the international relations area to the Citizenship Education and Principles of Economics/Business/Free Enterprise courses to complete the Carnegie unit requirement.

(e) Health and Physical Education: For each program of study, one Carnegie unit of health and physical education is required. Students shall combine two semesters or three quarters of Personal Fitness (36.041 or Advanced Personal Fitness (36.051) to satisfy this requirement. Health and physical education courses may be taken as electives for all programs of study. Courses in physical education shall be taken to enhance lifelong fitness and physical activities rather than development of athletic performance.

(f) Foreign Language: Two Carnegie units of the same foreign language shall be required for the College Preparatory (CP) and College Preparatory with Distinction (CP+) programs of study. Students whose native language is not English may be considered to have met the foreign language requirements by exercising the credit in lieu of enrollment option if they are proficient in their native language. A formal examination is not necessary if other evidence of proficiency is available. Any course or combination of courses listed below may be selected to earn Carnegie unit credit to satisfy the requirements in foreign language for Core Area of Study VI. Any of the courses may be used to satisfy the elective unit requirements. For a student who is hearing impaired, American Sign Language may be taken as an elective or as a core course to fulfill the requirements of the College Preparatory (CP) or College Preparatory with Distinction (CP+) seal. If American Sign Language is to be used to fulfill the college preparatory requirements of two years of the same foreign language, adherence to the requirements in the following paragraph is required. For the purpose of fulfilling the foreign language requirements for a College Preparatory (CP) or College Preparatory with Distinction (CP+) seal, a demonstrated proficiency in American Sign Language shall be accepted as a foreign language if it is determined that a deaf student has a hearing loss which significantly impacts upon the student's ability to learn a foreign language. The Individualized Education Program (IEP) Committee shall determine if American Sign Language is to be substituted for the foreign language requirement. The IEP Committee shall state in the Individual Education Program that American Sign Language is substituting for the foreign language and that two years of American Sign Language must be taken to complete the requirement. For students who are not hearing impaired, American Sign Language may be taken for one unit of elective credit or for the third unit of foreign language credit. Any course or combination of courses from the Fine Arts may be selected to earn Carnegie unit credit to satisfy the requirements in Fine Arts/Music for Core Area of Study VI. Any of the courses may be used to satisfy the elective unit requirements.

(g) Technology/Career Preparatory: To receive only the Technology/ Career Preparatory (TC) or Technology/Career Preparatory with distinction seal, a student shall complete at least four Technology/ Career Preparatory units, three of which must be concentrated in one occupational or related program areas. One of the four units may include the Program of Education and Career Exploration (PCECE), Coordinated Vocational Academic Education (CVAE) or Related Vocational Instruction (RVI). To receive both the College Preparatory (CP) or College Preparatory with Distinction (CP+) and the Technology/Career Preparatory with Distinction (TC+) seal, a student shall complete at least four units from Technology/Career Preparatory courses. Any course or combination of courses may be selected to earn Carnegie unit credit to satisfy the Core Area of Study VI. Any of the courses may be used to satisfy the elective unit requirements.

6. Required Procedures for Awarding Carnegie Units of Credit.

(i) A Carnegie unit of credit for graduation shall be awarded to students only for successful completion of state-approved courses of study based on a minimum of 150 clock hours of instruction provided during the regular school year or a minimum of 120 clock hours of instruction in summer school.

(ii) Carnegie units of credit for graduation shall be awarded to high school students participating in any joint enrollment program using the ratio referenced in Rule 160-4-2-.34 Postsecondary Options.

7. Local and Responsibilities.

(i) Local boards of education shall provide instructional, support and delivery services. These services shall include, but are not limited to, the following.

(I) A continuous guidance component beginning with the ninth grade. The purposes of the guidance component are to familiarize students with graduation requirements, to help them identify the likely impact of individual career objectives on the program of work studies they plan to follow and to provide annual advisement sessions to report progress and offer alternatives in meeting graduation requirements and career objectives.

(II) Record keeping and reporting services that document student progress toward graduation and include information for the school, parents and students.

(III) Diagnostic and continuous evaluation services that measure individual student progress in meeting competency expectations for graduation.

(IV) Instructional programs, curriculum and course guides and remedial opportunities to assist each student in meeting graduation requirements.

(V) Appropriate curriculum and assessment procedures for students who have been identified as having disabilities that prevent them from meeting the prescribed competency performance requirements.

Notes

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 160-4-2-.46

O.C.G.A. Secs. 20-2-131, 20-2-140, 20-2-142, 20-2-150(a), 20-2-151(a),(b), 20-2-154(a), 20-2-160, 20-2-161.1, 20-2-161.2, 20-2-281(a),(c).

Original Rule entitled "High School Graduation Requirements for Students Enrolling in the Ninth Grade for the First time in the 1997-98 School Year and Subsequent Years" adopted. F. Jul. 25, 1997; eff. Aug. 14, 1997. Amended: F. Jul. 14, 1998; eff. Aug. 3, 1998.