5123 - Promotion/Acceleration/Retention - Procedure

All 12th grade students who are referred to SBCSS Community School or placed in Court School will be enrolled/placed in the grade level based on course credit completion, in order to provide them with opportunities to successfully complete high school. After evaluation of official student records, the California State Minimum Graduation Requirements shall be applied for students who qualify as foster youth, homeless youth, court school students, or children of military families.

Grade-Level Credit Spans for Enrollment/Placement

Grade-Level	SBCSS Graduation Requirements - 12th Grade Credit Span	California State Minimum Graduation Requirements for foster youth, homeless youth, juvenile court school pupils, or children of military families who transfer after their second year of high school
12th Grade	166 - 210	75 to 130

SBCSS Course Requirements for Graduation

To obtain a high school diploma, students shall complete at least the following courses in grades 9 through 12, with each course being one year unless otherwise specified:

1. Four courses in English (Education Code Section 51225.3) (cf. 6142.91 - Reading/Language Arts Instruction).

2. Two courses in mathematics (Education Code Section 51225.3) At least one mathematics course, or a combination of two mathematics courses, shall meet or exceed state academic content standards for Algebra I or Mathematics I. Completion of such coursework prior to grade 9 shall satisfy the Algebra I or Mathematics I requirement, but shall not exempt a student from the requirement to complete two mathematics courses in grades 9- 12. (Education Code Section 51224.5) Students may be awarded up to one mathematics course credit for successful completion of an approved computer science course that is classified as a "category c" course based on the "a-g" course requirements for college admission. (Education Code Section 51225.3, 51225.35) (cf. 6011 - Academic Standards).

3. Two courses in science, including biological and physical sciences (Education Code Section 51225.3) (cf. 6142.93 -Science Instruction).

4. Three courses in social studies, including United States history and geography; world history, culture and geography; a one-semester course in American government and civics, and a one semester course in economics. (Education Code Section 51225.3).

5. One course in visual or performing arts, foreign language, including American Sign Language, or career technical education (CTE) (Education Code Section 51225.3) To be counted towards meeting graduation requirements, a CTE course shall be aligned to the CTE model curriculum standards and framework adopted by the State Board of Education.

(cf. 6142.6 - Visual and Performing Arts Education)
(cf. 6178 - Career Technical Education)
(cf. 6178.2 - Regional Occupational Center/Program).

6. Two courses in physical education, unless the student has been otherwise exempted pursuant to other sections of the Education Code. (Education Code Section 51225.3) (cf.6142.7 -Physical Education and Activity).

A total of 210 credits is required to graduate from SBCSS programs. SBCSS recognizes that the prescribed course of study may not accommodate the needs of some students; therefore, credit earned from the following alternative means may be included as part of the 210 credits required for graduation: (refer to Policy 6146.11)

1. Practical demonstration of skills and competencies.
2. Work experience or other outside school experience.
3. Vocational education classes offered in high schools.
4. Courses offered by regional occupational centers or programs.
5. Interdisciplinary study.
6. Independent study.
7. Credit earned at a postsecondary institution. Requirements for graduation and specified alternative means for completing the prescribed course of study shall be made available to students, parents/guardians and the public. (Education Code Section 51225.3)

Process for Enrollment/Placement in Grade-Level Courses

A. Upon enrollment, schools shall place students in the grade level that is in accordance with age and academic history until receipt of official student records.

B. Within 10 days of receipt of official student records, schools shall conduct a transcript analysis to identify courses and credits needed to meet locally defined graduation requirements.

C. Staff shall make a reasonable determination on whether the grade 12 student can complete SBCSS graduation requirements in time to graduate from high school by the end of the student's fourth year of high school.

D. The principal/teacher shall meet with the students and discuss the rationale for the grade level assignment.

E. The grade level of the student shall be determined once the final transcript is received by the school.

F. The determination for foster youth, homeless students, court school students, and children of military families shall be made when the information is received.

G. A cumulative review of credits completed at the end of each semester shall occur and grade level determinations shall be re-visited at the start of every new semester.

H. Special education students shall have their grade level assigned under this policy only to the degree the student is enrolled in a diploma track program and as consistent with IEP team decisions on this matter. For students who are on a certificate of completion or alternative diploma track, the IEP team will determine the student’s last year of high school and place the student at the 12th grade level, at that time. The IEP team shall make all decisions about grade level and program offerings in the best interests of students and consistent with State and Federal law.

Approved: January 8, 2019