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Table 157 | State requirements for high school graduation, in Carnegie units: 1993, 1996, and 1998 |
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ | 1993 | 1996 | 1998 | First | |________|______|______ ________________________________________________________________________________________________| gradua- | | | | | Subject areas | ting | | | |______|________________________________________________________________________________________________|class to | State | All | All | All |English| | | | Physi- | | |which the| Notes | cour- |cour- |cour- | lan- |Social|Mathe-| Sci- |cal edu-|Elec- | Other courses |require- | | ses | ses | ses | guage |stud- |matics| ence |cation/ |tives | | ments | | | | | arts | ies | | | health | | | apply | ________________________________|________|______|______|_______|______|______|______|________|______|___________________________________________________|_________|__________________________________________________________ 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 ________________________________|________|______|______|_______|______|______|______|________|______|___________________________________________________|_________|__________________________________________________________ Alabama ........................| 22 | 24 | 24 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 1.5 | 5.5 |1 (.5 units of fine arts; .5 units of computer | 2000 |Math requirement includes algebra I and geometry. | | | | | | | | | | applications). | |Physical education requirement consists of 1 unit of PE | | | | | | | | | | | |and .5 units of health. Science includes 1 unit of | | | | | | | | | | | |biology and 1 unit of physical science. Demonstration | | | | | | | | | | | |of computer literacy through related coursework is | | | | | | | | | | | |required.\2\ | | | | | | | | | | | | Alaska .........................| 21 | 21 | 21 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 9 |--- | --- |(\2,3\) | | | | | | | | | | | | Arizona ........................| 20 | 20 | 20 | 4 | 2.5 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 8 |1.5 (.5 units of free enterprise, 1 unit of | 1996 |Language arts requirement must include .5 units of speech/ | | | | | | | | | |fine arts or vocational education). | |debate. Social studies requirement consists of 1 unit of | | | | | | | | | | | |world history/geography and 1.5 units of U.S./Arizona | | | | | | | | | | | |history and constitutions.\1,2\ Arkansas........................| | | | | | | | | | | | Basic........................| --- | --- | --- | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 6 |1 (.5 units of oral communication, .5 units of | --- |Science requirement includes 1 unit of life science | | | | | | | | | |fine arts). | |and 1 unit of physical science. PE requirement | | | | | | | | | | | |includes .5 units of health and safety and .5 | | | | | | | | | | | |units of PE.\1\ | | | | | | | | | | | | Technical preparatory .......| 20 | 21 | 21 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 |7 (.5 units of oral communication, .5 units of | 1997 |Science requirement includes 1 unit of life science | | | | | | | | | |fine arts, and 6 units of sequential and | |and 1 unit of physical science. PE requirement | | | | | | | | | |related vocational credit). | |includes .5 units of health and safety and .5 | | | | | | | | | | | |units of PE.\1\ | | | | | | | | | | | | College preparatory .........| --- | 21 | 21 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 4 |4 (.5 units of oral communication; .5 units of | 1988 |Science requirements includes1 unit of life science | | | | | | | | | |fine arts; 2 units of foreign language). | |and 1 unit of physical science. PE requirement | | | | | | | | | | | |includes .5 units of health and safety and .5 | | | | | | | | | | | |units of PE. \1,2\ | | | | | | | | | | | | Standard (2002) | --- | --- | 21 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 6 |1 (.5 units of oral communication, .5 units of | 2002 |Math requirement includes 1 unit of algebra or equivalent | | | | | | | | | | fine arts). | |and 1 unit of geometry or equivalent. Science | | | | | | | | | | | |requirement includes 1 unit of biology or equivalent and | | | | | | | | | | | |1 unit of physical science. This curriculum will | | | | | | | | | | | |eliminate previous diploma types. | | | | | | | | | | | | California .....................| 13 | 13 | 13 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 |(\3\) |1 (includes foreign language or American | --- |Social studies requirement consists of 1 unit of U.S. | | | | | | | | | |Sign Language or visual and performing arts). | |history and geography; 1 unit of world history, | | | | | | | | | | | |culture and geography; .5 units of American | | | | | | | | | | | |government and .5 units of economics. Science | | | | | | | | | | | |includes biological and physical sciences. | | | | | | | | | | | | Colorado .......................| --- |(\3\) |(\3\) | (\3\) |(\3\) |(\3\) |(\3\) | (\3\) |(\3\) |(\3\) | --- |(\1,3\) | | | | | | | | | | | | Connecticut ....................| 20 | 20 | 20 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 6 |1 (1 unit of arts or vocational education). | --- |Fifty hours of community service may be used for .5 | | | | | | | | | | | |units towards graduation requirements. Delaware | | | | | | | | | | | | Standard (1997, 1998) ......| 19 | 19 | 19 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1.5 | 6.5 |1 (1 unit of computer literacy). | 1997 |PE requirement includes .5 units of health and 1 unit | | | | | | | | | | | |of PE. | | | | | | | | | | | | Standard (1999) ............| --- | 20 | 20 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1.5 | 6.5 |1 (1 unit of computer literacy; students must | 1999 |PE requirement includes .5 units of health and 1 unit | | | | | | | | | | become computer literate through formal | |of PE. | | | | | | | | | | class or related coursework). | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Standard (2000) ............| --- | 22 | 22 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1.5 | 0 |7.5 (1 unit of computer literacy; students | 2000 |PE requirement includes .5 units of health and 1 unit | | | | | | | | | | must become computer literate through | |of PE.\2\ | | | | | | | | | | formal class or related coursework; 3 units | | | | | | | | | | | | of Career Pathway;\4\ 3.5 units of | | | | | | | | | | | | additional coursework). | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Standard (2001) ............| --- | 22 | 22 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1.5 | 0 |7.5 (1 unit of computer literacy; students | 2001 |Physical education requirement includes .5 units of | | | | | | | | | | must become computer literate through | |health and 1 unit of PE. \2\ | | | | | | | | | | formal class or related coursework; 3 units | | | | | | | | | | | | of Career Pathway\4\; 1 unit of visual and | | | | | | | | | | | | performing arts; 2.5 units of additional | | | | | | | | | | | |coursework). | | District of | | | | | | | | | | | | Columbia .....................| 23.5 | 23.5 | 23.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 3 | 3 | 1.5 | 3.5 |5 (2 units of foreign language; 1 unit of life | 1996 |Social studies requirement consists of 1 unit of U.S. | | | | | | | | | | skills/social values; 1 unit of career/vocational| |history, 1 unit of world history, .5 units of U.S. | | | | | | | | | | .5 units of arts; .5 units of music). | |government, .5 units of world geography and .5 units of | | | | | | | | | | | |D.C. history/government. Math re- quirement includes | | | | | | | | | | | |algebra. Science requirement includes 1 unit of | | | | | | | | | | | |laboratory science. PE includes health. | | | | | | | | | | | | Florida ........................| 24 | 24 | 24 | 4 | 2.5 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 9 |1.5 (.5 units of economics; 1 unit of art | --- |Social studies requirement includes 1 unit of | | | | | | | | | | or exploratory career education). | |American history, 1 unit of world history and .5 units | | | | | | | | | | | |of American government. Two science units must | | | | | | | | | | | |have a laboratory component. The PE requirement | | | | | | | | | | | |includes .5 units of life manangement skills and | | | | | | | | | | | |.5 units of PE. One math credit must be in algebra 1 or | | | | | | | | | | | |higher. School boards may award .5 units for 75 hours | | | | | | | | | | | |of community service. Students must achieve a 2.0 GPA | | | | | | | | | | | |to graduate. \1,2\ Georgia | | | | | | | | | | | | Vocational ...................| 21 | 21 | 21 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 2 |5 (4 vocational diploma units and 1 unit of | --- |Math requirement includes 1 algebra unit.\1,2\ | | | | | | | | | | computer technology). | | | | | | | | | | | | | | College preparatory ..........| 21 | 21 | 21 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 4 |3 (2 units of foreign language; 1 unit of | --- |Math requirement includes 1 algebra unit.\1,2\ | | | | | | | | | | computer technology and/or fine arts and/or | | | | | | | | | | | | vocational education and/or JROTC | | | | | | | | | | | | and/or foreign language). | | Hawaii | | | | | | | | | | | | Standard ...................| 22 | 22 | 22 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 6 |--- | 1997 |PE includes 1 unit of PE, .5 units of health and | | | | | | | | | | | |.5 units of guidance.\2\ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Recognition diploma ........| --- | 24 | 24 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 6 |2 (2 units of foreign language, performing/fine | 1997 |PE includes 1 unit of PE, .5 units of health and .5 units | | | | | | | | | | arts, or vocational education). | |of guidance. To qualify for this diploma, students | | | | | | | | | | | |must maintain a 3.0 GPA.\2\ Idaho | | | | | | | | | | | | Standard....................| 21 | 21 | 21 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1.5 | 6 |3.5 (.5 units of reading; .5 units of speech or | 1997 |Science requirement includes 1 unit of laboratory | | | | | | | | | | debate; 2 units of humanities). | |science. PE requirement consists of 1 unit of PE and .5 | | | | | | | | | | | |units of health. The social science requirement includes | | | | | | | | | | | |1 unit of U.S. History and 1 unit of American | | | | | | | | | | | |government. State requires either a C average in core | | | | | | | | | | | |subjects, demonstrated competency on statewide | | | | | | | | | | | |achievement test and direct writing assessment in the | | | | | | | | | | | |11th grade or validation of student achievement through | | | | | | | | | | | |an approved, locally developed, core competency plan. | | | | | | | | | | | | Standard (2000) ............| --- | --- | 21.5 | 4 | 2.5 | 2 | 2 | 1.5 | 6 |3.5 (.5 units of reading; .5 units of speech or | 2004 |Science requirement includes 1 unit of laboratory | | | | | | | | | | debate; 2 units of humanities.) | |science. PE requirement consists of 1 unit of PE and .5 | | | | | | | | | | | |units of health. The social science requirement includes | | | | | | | | | | | |1 unit of US History, 1 unit of American government, and | | | | | | | | | | | |.5 units of economics. State requires either a C | | | | | | | | | | | |average in core subjects, demonstrated competency on | | | | | | | | | | | |statewide achievement tests and direct writing | | | | | | | | | | | |assessment in the 11th grade or validation of student | | | | | | | | | | | |achievement through an approved, locally developed, core | | | | | | | | | | | |competency plan. | | | | | | | | | | | | Illinois .......................| 16 | 16 | 16 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 4.5 | 2.25 |1.25 (1 unit of music, art, foreign language | 1995 |Social studies requirement includes 1 unit of U.S. | | | | | | | | | | or vocational and .25 units of consumer | |history and .5 units of American government. Science | | | | | | | | | |education.) | |requirement may include 1 unit of computer technology. | | | | | | | | | | | |PE requirement consists of 4 units of PE and .5 units of | | | | | | | | | | | |health. Students may test out of consumer education | | | | | | | | | | | |requirement. Passing end of course exam in American | | | | | | | | | | | |history and government is required to graduate. Indiana | | | | | | | | | | | | Standard .....................| 19.5 | 19.5 | 19.5 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1.5 | 8 |--- | 1989 |Social studies requirement includes 1 unit of U.S. | | | | | | | | | | | |history and .5 units of U.S. government. PE requirement | | | | | | | | | | | |is 1 unit of PE and .5 units of health and safety. | | | | | | | | | | | |Students must successfully complete a course concerning | | | | | | | | | | | |the constitutions of the U.S. and Indiana to | | | | | | | | | | | |graduate.\1,2\ | | | | | | | | | | | | Iowa ...........................| --- |(\3\) |(\3\) | (\3\) |(\3\) |(\3\) |(\3\) | (\3\) |(\3\) |(\3\) | --- |All students must participate in PE unless | | | | | | | | | | | |they qualify under certain exceptions. Social | | | | | | | | | | | |studies requirement includes 1 unit of U.S. | | | | | | | | | | | |history and .5 units of American government.\1,3\ | | | | | | | | | | | | Kansas .........................| 21 | 21 | 21 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 9 |--- | --- |Language arts requirement includes 3 units | | | | | | | | | | | |in English. Social studies requirement includes | | | | | | | | | | | |1 unit in American history and .5 units in American | | | | | | | | | | | |government. The PE requirement may include .5 | | | | | | | | | | | |units in health. Students are required to pass | | | | | | | | | | | |a course in Kansas history or government between | | | | | | | | | | | |grades 7-12.\1\ | | | | | | | | | | | | Kentucky........................| 20 | 20 | 22 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 7 |1 (1 unit of visual and performing arts). | --- |Writing portfolio is required in 12th grade but is not | | | | | | | | | | | |tied to graduation. Social studies units incorporate | | | | | | | | | | | |U.S. history, economics, government, world geography | | | | | | | | | | | |and world civilization. Math requirements include algebra | | | | | | | | | | | |1 and geometry. PE requirement consists of | | | | | | | | | | | |.5 units of PE and .5 units of health.\2\ Louisiana | | | | | | | | | | | | Standard .....................| 23 | 23 | 23 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 8 |--- | --- |Social studies requirement consists of 1 unit of American | | | | | | | | | | | |history, 1 unit of world | | | | | | | | | | | |history/geography/civilization, .5 units of civics and | | | | | | | | | | | |.5 units of free enterprise. Math requirement includes | | | | | | | | | | | |algebra. Science requirement includes biology. PE | | | | | | | | | | | |requirement is 1.5 units of PE and .5 units of | | | | | | | | | | | |health.\1,2\ | | | | | | | | | | | | Regents program ..............| 24 | 24 | 24 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 4 |3 (2 units of foreign language and 1 unit of | --- |Social studies requirement consists of 1 unit of American | | | | | | | | | |fine arts). | |history, 1 unit of world history/geography/civilization, | | | | | | | | | | | |.5 units of civics and .5 units of free enterprise. | | | | | | | | | | | |Math requirement includes algebra. Science requirement | | | | | | | | | | | |includes biology. PE requirement is 1.5 units of PE and | | | | | | | | | | | |.5 units of health.\1,2\ | | | | | | | | | | | | Maine ..........................| 16 | 16 | 16 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1.5 | 3.5 |1 (1 unit of fine arts). | 1989 |Social studies requirement includes 1 unit of American | | | | | | | | | | | |history and government. Science requirement includes 1 | | | | | | | | | | | |year of laboratory study. Students must pass computer | | | | | | | | | | | |proficiency standards. PE requirement consists of 1 | | | | | | | | | | | |unit of PE and .5 units of health.\1\ | | | | | | | | | | | | Maryland .......................| 21 | 21 | 21 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 |4 (1 unit of fine arts; 1 unit of technology | 1997 |75 clock hours of student community service is | | | | | | | | | | education, 2 units of foreign language or | |required for graduation.\2,3\ | | | | | | | | | |advanced technology). | | | | | | | | | | | | | Massachusetts ..................| --- |(\3\) |(\3\) | (\3\) | 1 |(\3\) |(\3\) | 4 |(\3\) |(\3\) | --- |American history is required.\1,2,3\ | | | | | | | | | | | | Michigan .......................| --- |(\3\) |(\3\) | (\3\) |(\3\) |(\3\) |(\3\) | (\3\) |(\3\) |1 (1 unit of civics). | --- |A competency exam is optional for students | | | | | | | | | | | |wanting a state-endorsed diploma.\3\ | | | | | | | | | | | | Minnesota ......................| 20 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |--- | 2000 |A "profile of learning" program requires students to | | | | | | | | | | | |complete 24 to 28 standards in broad academic | | | | | | | | | | | |areas prior to graduation.\1,2\ | | | | | | | | | | | | Mississippi ....................| 18 | 18 | 20 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 0.5 | 4.5 |2 (1 unit of art, .5 units of computer education | 2002 |Social studies requirement consists of 1 unit of U.S. | | | | | | | | | |and .5 units of keyboarding). | |history, 1 unit of world history, .5 units of U.S. | | | | | | | | | | | |government and .5 units of Mississippi studies. PE | | | | | | | | | | | |requirement is in health.\2\ | | | | | | | | | | | | Missouri .......................| 22 | 22 | 22 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 10 |2 (1 unit of practical arts; 1 unit of fine arts). | --- |Social studies requirement includes .5 units of U.S. | | | | | | | | | | | |and state government. Students must pass an end-of-course | | | | | | | | | | | |exam in the principles of the constitutions of the U.S. | | | | | | | | | | | |and Missouri prior to graduation. | | | | | | | | | | | | Montana ........................| 20 | 20 | 20 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 7 |2 (1 unit of fine arts; 1 unit of vocational/ | 1989 |PE requirement is in health. | | | | | | | | | |practical arts). | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Nebraska .......................| --- |(\3\) |(\3\) | (\3\) |(\3\) |(\3\) |(\3\) | (\3\) |(\3\) |(\3\) | 1991 |Nebraska requires a minimum of 200 high school | | | | | | | | | | | |credit hours (at least 80% in core curriculum | | | | | | | | | | | |subjects).\3\ | | | | | | | | | | | | Nevada .........................| 22.5 | 22.5 | 22.5 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2.5 | 8.5 |1.5 (1 unit of arts and humanities; .5 units of | --- |Social studies requirement includes 1 unit of | | | | | | | | | | computer literacy). | |American government and 1 unit of American history. | | | | | | | | | | | |PE requirement includes .5 units of health and | | | | | | | | | | | |2 units of PE. Computer literacy requirement may | | | | | | | | | | | |be waived by demonstration of competency.\1,2\ | | | | | | | | | | | | New Hampshire ..................| 19.75 |19.75 |19.75 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1.25 | 7 |1.5 (.5 units of art; .5 units of computer | 1989 |The social studies requirement includes 1 unit of U.S. | | | | | | | | | | education; .5 units of business/economics). | |and New Hampshire history and government. | | | | | | | | | | | |Science requirement is 1 unit of physical science | | | | | | | | | | | |and 1 unit of biological science. PE requirement | | | | | | | | | | | |includes .25 units of health and 1 unit of PE. | | | | | | | | | | | |Computer education requirement may be met | | | | | | | | | | | |through examination or course prior to high school. | | | | | | | | | | | | New Jersey .....................| 21.5 | 21.5 | 22 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 4.5 |1.5 (1 unit of fine, practical, or performing | --- |Social studies requirement includes 2 units of | | | | | | | | | |arts; .5 units of consumer education). | |U.S. history and 1 unit of world history/cultures. | | | | | | | | | | | |Science requirement must be either natural or | | | | | | | | | | | |physical science.\1,2\ | | | | | | | | | | | | New Mexico .....................| 23 | 23 | 23 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 9 |1 (1 unit of communication skills). | --- |Social studies requirement consists of government and | | | | | | | | | | | |economics, world and U.S. history and geography. | | | | | | | | | | | |Science requirement includes 1 lab component. \2\ | | | | | | | | | | | | New York | | | | | | | | | | | | Local ........................| 18.5 | 20.5 | 20.5 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2.5 | 5 |1 (1 unit of art or music). | 1989 |PE requirement includes .5 units of health. Only | | | | | | | | | | | |the health unit may be counted towards total | | | | | | | | | | | |graduation credit.\2,3\ | | | | | | | | | | | | Regents diploma ..............| 18.5 | 18.5 | 20.5 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2.5 | 5 | 1 (1 unit of art or music). | |Requirements for a Regent's diploma include more | | | | | | | | | | | |difficult course sequencing and additional exams. A | | | | | | | | | | | --- |minimum sequence of three units of a second language is | | | | | | | | | | | |required for the Regent's diploma. PE requirement | | | | | | | | | | | |includes .5 units of health. Only the health unit may be | | | | | | | | | | | |counted towards total graduation credit.\2,3\ | | | | | | | | | | | | North Carolina..................| 20 | 20 | 20 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 6 |--- | 1987 |Social studies requirement consists of 1 unit of | | | | | | | | | | | |government and economics, 1 unit of U.S. history and 1 | | | | | | | | | | | |unit of world studies. Math requirement includes 1 unit | | | | | | | | | | | |of algebra 1. Science requirement includes 1 unit of | | | | | | | | | | | |biology and 1 unit of physical science.\2\ | | | | | | | | | | | | North Dakota ...................| 17 | 17 | 17 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 5 |--- | 1994 |The social studies requirement includes 1 unit of | | | | | | | | | | | |world history and 1 unit of U.S. history, both with strong | | | | | | | | | | | |geography components. The math requirement may | | | | | | | | | | | |include business math.\1,3\ | | | | | | | | | | | | Ohio ...........................| 18 | 18 | 18 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 9 |(total units in a subject area | 1988 |Social science requirement includes .5 units of U.S. | | | | | | | | | | other than language arts/English | |history and .5 units of U.S. government. PE requirement | | | | | | | | | | must be taken to complete a "minor"). | |consists of .5 units of PE and .5 units of health.\1,2\ | | | | | | | | | | | | Standard (2001)...............| --- | --- | 21 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 8 |--- | 2006 |Social science requirement includes .5 units of U.S. | | | | | | | | | | | |government. PE requirement consists of .5 units | | | | | | | | | | | |of PE and .5 units of health. Science requirement | | | | | | | | | | | |includes 1 unit of biology and 1 unit of physical | | | | | | | | | | | |science.\1,2\ | | | | | | | | | | | | Standard (2003)...............| --- | --- | 21 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 7 |--- | 2008 |Social science requirement includes .5 units of U.S. | | | | | | | | | | | |government. PE requirement consists of .5 units | | | | | | | | | | | |of PE and .5 units of health. Science requirement | | | | | | | | | | | |includes 1 unit of biology and 1 unit of physical | | | | | | | | | | | |science.\1,2\ | | | | | | | | | | | | Oklahoma .......................| 20 | 21 | 21 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 8 |2 (1 unit of visual arts; 1 unit of general music).| 2000 |Social studies requirement includes U.S. and | | | | | | | | | | | |Oklahoma history.\1\ | | | | | | | | | | | | Oregon .........................| --- | --- | 22 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 9 |1 (1 unit of applied arts, fine arts, or foreign | --- |PE requirement includes 1 unit of PE and 1 unit | | | | | | | | | |language). | |of health.\1\ | | | | | | | | | | | | Pennsylvania ...................| 21 | 21 | 21 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 5 |2 (2 units of arts/humanities, or computer | 1993 |Students must achieve 52 state academic | | | | | | | | | |science). | |performance standards and locally developed | | | | | | | | | | | |student learning outcomes. Students must also | | | | | | | | | | | |complete a project in one or more areas of | | | | | | | | | | | |concentrated studies. Pennsylvania is phasing | | | | | | | | | | | |out the required units in individual subject system. | | | | | | | | | | | |Graduation requirements are now based on a | | | | | | | | | | | |local district submission of a strategic plan, | | | | | | | | | | | |fulfillment of the state performance standards, Rhode Island....................| | | | | | | | | | | |and local student-learning outcomes. | | | | | | | | | | | | Standard ....................| 16 | 16 | 16 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 6 |--- | 1989 |Social studies requirement includes 1 unit of U.S. | | | | | | | | | | | |history and government. | | | | | | | | | | | | College preparatory .........| 18 | 18 | 18 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 4 |3 (2 units of foreign language; .5 units | --- |Social studies requirement includes 1 unit of U.S. | | | | | | | | | | of computer literacy; .5 units of arts). | |history and government. The science requirement | | | | | | | | | | | |must consist of laboratory sciences. South Carolina | | | | | | | | | | | | Technical/college preparatory| 20 | 20 | 20 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 7 |--- | 2000 |The social studies requirement includes 1 unit of U.S. | | | | | | | | | | | |history, .5 units of U.S. government, and .5 units of | | | | | | | | | | | |economics. PE requirement may be met with JROTC. | | | | | | | | | | | |Students in technical track must complete an occupational | | | | | | | | | | | |program consisting of four sequential units | | | | | | | | | | | |of instruction in a career major. \2\ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Class of 2001................| --- | --- | 24 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 7 |2 (1 unit of computer science and 1 unit | 2001 |Social studies requirement includes 1 unit of | | | | | | | | | | of foreign language if college prepara- | |U.S. history, .5 units of U.S. government, and | | | | | | | | | | tory, 1 vocational unit if technical | |.5 units of economics. PE requirement may | | | | | | | | | | prep). | |be met with JROTC.\2\ | | | | | | | | | | | | South Dakota ...................| 20 | 20 | 20 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 8 |1 (.5 units of computer studies; .5 units of | 1996 |Language Arts/English requirement includes 1.5 units of | | | | | | | | | |fine arts). | |writing, .5 units of American literature, .5 units of | | | | | | | | | | | |literature, and .5 units of speech. Social studies | | | | | | | | | | | |requirement includes .5 units of U.S. history, .5 units | | | | | | | | | | | |of U.S. government, and .5 units of geography. Both | | | | | | | | | | | |science units must include a laboratory component. | | | | | | | | | | | |Students may complete the computer studies requirement | | | | | | | | | | | |through demonstrated mastery of course content. Tennessee | | | | | | | | | | | | Technical preparatory ........| --- | --- | --- | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 4 (program of study focusing on a particular | 1994 |Math requirement includes algebra. Science includes | | | | | | | | | | technical area). | |biology.\2\ | | | | | | | | | | | | University preparatory ......| --- | --- | --- | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 |3 (2 in foreign language; 1 fine art). | --- |Math requirement includes algebra. Science includes | | | | | | | | | | | |biology.\2\ | | | | | | | | | | | | Texas...........................| 21 | 22 | 22 | 4 | 2.5 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 5.5 |3 (1 unit of world history/geography studies | 1997 |PE requirement includes .5 units of health and 1.5 | | | | | | | | | |economics, .5 units of speech, and 1 unit of | |units of PE. Social studies requirement consists of 1 | | | | | | | | | |technology applications). | |unit of world history or world geography, 1 unit of | | | | | | | | | | | |U.S. history, and .5 units of U.S. government. | | | | | | | | | | | |Math requirement must include algebra 1. Science | | | | | | | | | | | |requirement must include 1 unit from biology 1, | | | | | | | | | | | |chemistry 1, or physics 1.\2\ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Utah ...........................| 24 | 24 | 24 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 9.5 |2.5 (1.5 units of art; 1 unit of applied | 1997 |Required elective areas are divided into college entry | | | | | | | | | |technology applications). | | or applied technology clusters.\1,3\ | | | | | | | | | | | | Vermont ........................| 14.5 | 14.5 | 14.5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1.5 | --- |2 (1 unit of art and the selection of 1 additional | 1997 |Social studies requirement includes 1 unit of U.S. | | | | | | | | | |unit of science or math). | |history and 1 unit of world history. Science requirement | | | | | | | | | | | |consists of 1 unit of physical science and 1 unit of | | | | | | | | | | | |natural science. The state requires a total of 5 units | | | | | | | | | | | |combined in science and math. Statewide academic | | | | | | | | | | | |examinations are administered in math, science, English | | | | | | | | | | | |and social studies in order to qualify for a "governor's | | | | | | | | | | | |diploma." | | | | | | | | | | | | Standard .....................| 21 | 21 | 22 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 6 |1 (1 unit of fine or practical arts). | --- |Science requirement is in laboratory courses.\2\ | | | | | | | | | | | | Advanced studies .............| 23 | 23 | 24 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 |4 (3 units of foreign language; 1 unit of fine | --- |Science requirement is in laboratory courses.\2\ | | | | | | | | | |or practical arts.) | | | | | | | | | | | | | Washington .....................| 19 | 19 | 19 | 3 | 2.5 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 5.5 |2 (1 unit of occupational education; 1 unit of | 1991 |Social studies requirement consists of 1 unit of | | | | | | | | | | fine/visual or performing arts). | |U.S. history and government, .5 units of Washington | | | | | | | | | | | |state history and government, and 1 unit of world | | | | | | | | | | | |history. Science requires 1 laboratory course. | | | | | | | | | | | |Assessment tests are given to 11th graders to | | | | | | | | | | | |assess strengths and weaknesses. Beginning | | | | | | | | | | | |with the 2000-2001 school year, passing assessment | | | | | | | | | | | |examinations result in issuance of a certificate | | | | | | | | | | | |of mastery which is required for graduation.\1\ West Virginia | | | | | | | | | | | | Standard (1989)...............| 21 | 21 | 21 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 7 |1 (1 unit of foreign language, performing arts, | --- |PE requirement consists of 1 unit of PE and 1 unit of | | | | | | | | | |or applied arts). | |health. | | | | | | | | | | | | Standard (2004)...............| --- | --- | 24 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 4 |5 (4 units of career majors and 1 unit of visual | 2004 |Math requirement includes algebra and 1 higher math. | | | | | | | | | |arts, music, dance, or theater). | |Science includes coordinated and thematic science and 1 | | | | | | | | | | | |higher science. Students must also graduate with "work | | | | | | | | | | | |based learning" requirements which are determined by | | | | | | | | | | | |local boards.\3\ | | | | | | | | | | | | Wisconsin ......................| 13 | 21.5 | 21.5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 |(\3\) |--- | 1989 |PE consists of 1.5 units of PE and .5 units of health. | | | | | | | | | | | |Health can be completed in 7-12 grade. Language | | | | | | | | | | | |arts requirement must include writing composition. | | | | | | | | | | | |State encourages school boards to require 8.5 | | | | | | | | | | | |elective units selected from combinations of | | | | | | | | | | | |vocational education, foreign languages, fine arts | | | | | | | | | | | |and other courses.\1,3\ | | | | | | | | | | | | Wyoming ........................| --- | --- | 13 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 0 |(\3\) |--- | --- |Social studies requirement includes history and American | | | | | | | | | | | |government. Electives are determined by local school | | | | | | | | | | | |boards. Legislation in 1997 requires the state board of | | | | | | | | | | | |education to establish, through testing or other means, a | | | | | | | | | | | |requirement for each student to demonstrate mastery of the | | | | | | | | | | | |common core of knowledge and skills in order to earn a | | | | | | | | | | | |high school diploma. The means and process to establish | | | | | | | | | | | |this requirement have not been implemented. ________________________________|________|______|______|_______|______|______|______|________|______|___________________________________________________|_________|__________________________________________________________ |
\1\State allows dual credit for college coursework.
\2\Minimum competency test is required. \3\Local boards determine some or all requirements. \4\A Career Pathway is a planned program of sequenced or specialized courses designed to develop knowledge and skills in a particular career area. Students may use the Additional Academic Coursework (visual and performing arts, foreign language and/or vocational technical education coursework, including Junior ROTC) as an option, to pursue individual academic interests. The credits in these two categories will eventually replace the elective credits. ---Data not available or not applicable. NOTE.--Local school districts frequently have other graduation requirements in addition to state requirements. SOURCE: Education Commission of the States, Clearinghouse Notes, "High School Graduation Requirements" November 1996 and November 1998; Education Commission of the States, Clearinghouse Notes, "Choice of Schools: State Actions" June 1999. (This table was prepared August 1999.) |