6143 - Courses of Study

The San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) recognizes that a well-aligned sequence of courses fosters academic progress and provides for the best possible use of instructional time. The SBCSS course of study shall provide students with opportunities to attain the skills, knowledge, and abilities they need to be successful in school, college, and the workplace.

(cf. 6011 - Academic Standards)
(cf. 6141 - Curriculum Development and Evaluation)
(cf. 6161.1 - Selection and Evaluation of Instructional Materials)

The Superintendent or designee shall establish processes for ensuring the articulation of courses across grade levels within SBCSS. As necessary, he/she also shall work with representatives of appropriate area districts and postsecondary institutions to ensure articulation of courses with other institutions to which district students may matriculate. The sequence of courses shall be designed to ensure that each course provides adequate preparation for the next course in the sequence, avoids significant duplication of content, and allows for reinforcement and progression in the subject matter.

Elementary Grades

The Board shall adopt a course of study for elementary grades that sufficiently prepares students for the secondary course of study.

(cf. 6146.5 - Elementary/Middle School Graduation Requirements)

Secondary Grades

SBCSS shall offer all otherwise qualified students in grades 7-12 a course of study that prepares them, upon graduation from high school, to meet the requirements and prerequisites for admission to California public colleges and universities and to attain entry-level employment skills in business or industry. (Education Code 51228)

(cf. 5121 - Grades/Evaluation of Student Achievement)
(cf. 6141.5 - Advanced Placement)
(cf. 6146.1 - High School Graduation Requirements)
(cf. 6162.52 - High School Exit Examination)
(cf. 6178 - Career Technical Education)

In addition, the course of study for students in grades 9-12 shall include instruction in skills and knowledge for adult life, career technical training, and a timely opportunity for all otherwise qualified students to enroll, within four years before graduation, in each course necessary to fulfill the requirements and prerequisites for admission to California public colleges and universities. (Education Code 51224, 51228)

SBCSS may utilize on-line curriculum that meet college admission criteria (referred to as "a-g" course requirements). The on-line curriculum company monitors university requirements of the “a-g” courses and provides SBCSS with annual updates. Students in grades 9-12 shall receive the updated list of courses annually. (Education Code 51229, 66204)

Legal Reference

EDUCATION CODE

33540 Government and civics instruction in interaction with government agencies
48980 Parental notifications
51202 Instruction in personal and public health and safety
51203 Instruction on alcohol, narcotics and restricted dangerous drugs
51204 Course of study designed for student's needs
51204.5 Social science instruction; history of California; contributions of various groups
51210-51212 Course of study for grades 1-6
51220-51229 Course of study for grades 7-12
51241 Exemption from physical education
51911-51921 Comprehensive health education
51930-51939 Comprehensive sexual health and HIV/AIDS prevention instruction
60040-60052 Requirements for instructional materials
66204 Certification of high school courses as meeting university admission criteria

HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE

11032 Definition of dangerous drugs

CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 5

10060 Physical education program

UNITED STATES CODE, TITLE 20

6101-6251 School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994

Management Resources

Websites

California School Boards Association: 
https://www.csba.org

California Career Resource Network: 
https://www.californiacareers.info

California Colleges.edu: 
https://www.californiacolleges.edu

California Department of Education: 
https://www.cde.ca.gov

California State University, Admission Requirements: 
https://www.calstate.edu/apply

University of California, A-G Course Submissions: 
https://hs-articulation.ucop.edu/guide/update-your-a-g-list/submitting-courses/

University of California, List of Approved A-G Courses: 
https://hs-articulation.ucop.edu/agcourselist

Approved: February 3, 2016