BOARD POLICY - 6146.7
The course of study pursued by each individual student should be continuously full and challenging.
As one means of promoting this goal, the units of credit which count toward the Irvine Unified School District diploma requirements are limited to those units earned subsequent to graduation from grade 8.
The above policy notwithstanding, in the case of an approved plan for early graduation or a program of academic enrichment, course work taken prior to the completion of grade 8, which is identical to high school credit course work, may be used as the basis for waiving diploma course or unit requirements.
Credit toward graduation for private instruction may be granted to a student enrolled and in attendance in the secondary schools of the district.
The Governing Board desires to prepare all students to obtain a high school diploma to enable them to take advantage of opportunities for postsecondary education and employment.
To obtain a high school diploma, students shall complete at least the following courses in grades 9-12, with each course being one year unless otherwise specified:
- Four courses in English
- Two courses in mathematics*
*Beginning with the class of 2027, the requirement will be three courses in mathematics and completion of Math II.
At least one mathematics course, or a combination of the two mathematics courses required for completion in grades 9-12, shall meet or exceed state academic content standards for Math I or Algebra I. (Education Code 51224.5)
Completion, prior to grade 9, of Math I or algebra coursework that meets or exceeds state academic content standards shall satisfy the algebra coursework requirement, but shall not exempt a student from the requirement to complete two mathematics courses in grades 9-12. (Education Code 51224.5)
Completion, prior to grade 9, of Math II or geometry coursework that meets or exceeds state academic content standards shall satisfy the Math II or geometry coursework requirement, but shall not exempt a student from the requirement to complete two mathematics courses in grades 9-12.
- Two courses in science**, including biological and physical sciences. (Education Code 51225.3)
- 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 51225.3)
- One course in visual or performing arts, foreign language, including American Sign Language, or career technical education. (Education Code 51225.3)
**Beginning with the class of 2027, the requirement will be three courses in science, including biological and physical sciences.
To be counted towards meeting graduation requirements, a course in career technical education shall be aligned to the career technical model curriculum standards and framework adopted by the State Board of Education.
- Two courses in physical education, unless the student has been otherwise exempted pursuant to other sections of the Education Code. (Education Code 51225.3)
- One semester course in health education. (Education Code 51225.3 and 51225.36)
Because the prescribed course of study may not accommodate the needs of some students, the Board shall provide alternative means for the completion of prescribed courses in accordance with law.
A foster youth, homeless student, or former juvenile court school student who transfers into the district any time after completing his/her second year of high school shall be required to complete all graduation requirements specified in Education Code 51225.3 but shall be exempt from any additional district-adopted graduation requirements, unless the Superintendent or designee makes a finding that the student is reasonably able to complete the requirements in time to graduate by the end of his/her fourth year of high school. Within 30 days of the transfer, any student shall be notified of the availability of the exemption and whether he/she qualifies for it. (Education Code 51225.1)
In addition, the Superintendent or designee shall facilitate the on-time graduation of children of military families by waiving specific course requirements for graduation if the student has satisfactorily completed similar coursework in another district. (Education Code 49701)
Policy Adopted: January 21, 1986
Policy Revised: August 22, 2017
Policy Revised: October 1, 2019
Administrative Regulation
See also:
Graduation Requirements