Garfield Re-2 Policies

IKF

 

Graduation Requirements

In pursuit of its mission to ensure that all students reach their learning potential and are prepared for postsecondary and career opportunities, the Board of Education has established the following graduation requirements for students entering the ninth grade in the 2018-19 school year and each ninth-grade class thereafter.

To receive a high school diploma from the district, students must meet or exceed the district's academic standards and measures required by this policy. Students with disabilities and students involved in the criminal justice system must be provided access to all graduation pathways provided by this policy and must have the opportunity to earn a high school diploma from the district.

 

College and  Career Readiness

The Colorado State Board of Education has adopted state graduation guidelines that identify college and career readiness measures in English and Math. The Board has selected its own measures from these state graduation guidelines.

Beginning with the class of 2022, students must complete at least one English measure and one Math measure and meet or exceed the measure's corresponding cut score or criteria to demonstrate college and career readiness in English and Math. The Board's approved measures and cut scores are outlined in this policy's accompanying exhibit.

 

Exceptions to the Board's Required Measures and Cut Scores/Criteria

Beginning with the class of 2022, If the student has demonstrated college and career readiness by completing an assessment or other measure that is not included in this policy's accompanying exhibit but is included in the state graduation guidelines, the principal or principal's designee may determine that such assessment or other measure is acceptable and meets the district's graduation requirements.

 

Courses Required for Graduation

 4.0   English

 3.0   Math

 3.0   Science

 2.5   Social Studies

 0.5   Civics

 1.0   Physical Education

 0.5   Health

 0.5   Technology

 1.0   World Language

10.0  Electives

26.0 Total

*World language and physical education requirements may be waived through a formal application process.

Units of Credit Required for Graduation

A total of 26 credits earned during grades 9 through 12 are required for graduation. A credit is defined as the amount of credit given for the successful completion of a course which meets five for at least 36 weeks or the equivalent. Successful completion means that the student obtained a passing grade for the course.

The following criteria shall entitle a student to a high school diploma:

●       Achievement in the district’s academic standards as demonstrated by mastery of the curriculum which may include, but is not limited to, daily classroom assignments, state and district assessments, classroom assessments, and student participation in, and completion of, assigned projects.

●       Completion of 26 credits in grades 9 through 12 in the prescribed categories listed below.

Credit from Other Institutions and Home-Based Programs

Students entering from outside the district must meet the district's course requirements. The principal or principal's designee must determine whether credit toward course requirements will be granted for courses taken outside the district.

In accordance with applicable state law, college courses completed pursuant to the student's participation in a "dropout recovery program" must count as credit toward completion of the district's credit requirements.

Early Graduation

The Board of Education believes that most students benefit from four years of high school experience and are encouraged not to graduate early. However, in some cases, students are ready for postsecondary education or other opportunities prior to completing four years of high school. Therefore, the superintendent or designee may grant permission to students wishing to graduate early, provided the student has met all district graduation requirements in accordance with this policy and its accompanying exhibit.

Class Rankings and Grade Point Averages

Graduating seniors must be ranked within the graduating class for each high school upon the basis of grade-point averages for the four-year program. Grades for regular classes will be given the following values:  A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1.

Weighted grades with the following values, A=5.0, B=4.0, C=3.0, D=2.0, will be earned in these classes:

●       International Baccalaureate.

●       Advanced Placement.

●       Concurrent enrollment classes mutually agreed upon between Garfield Re-2 and Colorado Mountain College.

After a course has been passed, no future grade earned in the same course may be used to determine class rank or grade point average.

The student with the highest-class rank will be valedictorian. When more than one student holds the numerical one rank, all students holding the rank will be declared co-valedictorians.

The student with the highest grade point average as computed at the end of eight semesters of high school work, the student who chose to take the most rigorous schedule offered at the school, who took the highest number of possible classes, and who is a recipient of a four-year academic letter in academics will be declared valedictorian.  In the case where two or more students meet all three above criteria, then all students will be declared co-valedictorian. 

When transcripts of transfer students show grades, such as pass or satisfactory, such grades  may not be counted in determining class rank or grade point average. Students entering from home-based education programs must submit student work or other proof of academic performance for each course for which credit toward class ranking or grade point average is sought.

Independent Study

Independent study, work experience and experienced-based programs approved in advance by the principal may be taken for high school credit. Students must submit a request for approval that includes a summary of the educational objectives to be achieved and monitored by a faculty member.

Student Course Load

The course load for freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors must be a minimum of 6/7 credits per school year.  Students who wish to take less credits in any given school year must obtain advance permission from the principal.

 

(Adoption date)    APRIL 14, 2021

Revised:    November 13, 2024

LEGAL REFS.:  

C.R.S. 22-1-104 (teaching history, culture and civil government)

C.R.S. 22-32-109 (1)(kk) (Board to establish graduation requirements that "meet or exceed" state graduation guidelines)

C.R.S. 22-32-132 (discretion to award diploma to honorably discharged veterans)

C.R.S. 22-33-104.5 (home-based education law)

C.R.S. 22-35-101 et seq. (Concurrent Enrollment Programs Act)

C.R.S 22-108-103 et seq (justice-engaged student’s bill of rights)

 

CROSS REFS.: 

AE, Accountability/Commitment to Accomplishment

AEA, Standards Based Education

IHBG, Home Schooling

IHBK*, Preparation for Postsecondary and Workforce Success

IHCDA, Concurrent Enrollment

IK, Academic Achievement

IKA, Grading/Assessment Systems

 

Garfield School District No. Re-2