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Graduation Requirements: Part I

Graduation Requirements

As technological discoveries are developed and incorporated into the daily lives of public citizens, the work place and educational institutions become more competitive. To ensure that the graduates of Worcester County Public Schools will be adequately prepared, the basic requirements for graduation from a Worcester County high school have been designed to meet and in many instances exceed the minimum requirements as established by the Maryland State Department of Education.

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Grade Value

 

Letter grades are assigned on a percentage basis. Both the percentage and letter grades will appear on the student’s grade card each marking term. Each letter grade carries an additional numerical value. These values are:

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Grade	Grade Value
A	4
B	3
C	2
D	1
F	0

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These grade values are utilized in conjunction with the course level value to make determinations of the student’s academic achievement.

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Course Levels

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Each course in the curriculum of the Worcester County high schools has been assigned a course level value. This value is an indicator of the degree of difficulty the student may encounter. The student and his or her parents may wish to consult these values in their selection of courses. The course level value will appear on each student’s report cards. The levels are defined as:

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Level	Descriptor	Defined
I	Basic	The courses are usually of a remedial nature.
II & III	Tech Prep/College Prep	These courses are of high academic difficulty. These courses are of a challenging nature.
IV	Advanced College Placement	These courses are only those for which advanced college placement credit is given.

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Academic Significance

 

The academic significance of a completed course of study may be determined by multiplying the numerical value of the grade by the value of the course level. For example, a student receiving the letter grade of A (value 4) in an advanced course (level III) would earn the academic significant value of 5.

 

Worcester County high schools utilize the academic significance in determining grade point average, scholastic standing, academic recognition and admission to the National Honor Society.

 

Note: An “F” grade will receive no credit before or after weighing.

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Promotion Policy

 

Beginning at grade 9, promotion is based upon the accumulation of units of credit in appropriate subjects and in sufficient numbers to meet requirements established by the Maryland State Department of Education and the Board of Education of Worcester County. Promotion from grade to grade becomes simply a matter of homeroom placement since the student may be enrolled in subjects normally offered at several different grade levels.

 

By mid-year or as soon as possible thereafter, the school will notify the parent(s)/guardians(s) by letter of any student who may be considered for retention.

 

A conference will be scheduled for the parent(s), teacher(s), counselor and psychologist (if warranted) to discuss the student’s educational progress. During the conference a specific management plan will be developed which may include expectations of the parent(s)/guardian(s) and the student as well as the professional staff. Subsequent contacts will e maintained with the parent(s)/guardian(s) to discuss student placement for the next school year.

 

When a decision is made that a student should be retained, all available resources will be brought to bear to ensure success. This would include a detailed educational plan for the student with formal conferences held during the year of retention. The conferences will be held by the teachers, counselor, principal, psychologist (if warranted) and the parent(s)/guardian(s).

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Maryland Diploma Program

 

For Worcester County Public School students, the awarding of a high school diploma should indicate the student’s successful completion of the minimum requirements set forth by the Maryland State Board of Education and the Worcester County Board of Education. The diploma shall be interpreted to mean that the student has complied with the academic, social and attendance regulations of the school and has successfully completed required courses.

 

Students graduating from a Worcester County High School will be required to satisfy all the requirements of the State of Maryland plus those additional requirements of the Worcester County Board of Education.

 

Graduates of the Worcester County Public Schools prior to or in 2008 are awarded Certificates of Academic Proficiency. This certificate provides graduates with documented evidence of the type of high school program completed. Graduates of 2009 or after may qualify for the Worcester County Certificate of Merit. In addition, students who qualify will receive the Certificate of Technological Proficiency, describing the skills obtained while enrolled in a technology program. This certificate should help students understand the skills they possess when seeking employment and help employers assess the proficiencies attained by graduates seeking employment.

 

A Maryland High School Certificate is available only for handicapped students receiving special education services who are not able to meet the requirements described above.

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Graduation Requirements

 

Students must satisfactorily complete four (4) years of approved study beyond the eighth grade, pass all competency tests, and complete the service learning requirement.

Specified minimum graduation requirements for students who entered the ninth grade in 1993-94 and thereafter are as follows:

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Subjects	Credits
English	4
Fine Arts	1
Mathematics -One with fundamental or advanced algebraic concepts -One with fundamental or advanced geometric concepts or topics	3
Physical Education	½
Health	½
Social Studies -U.S. History -World History -Local, State, National Government	3 1 1 1
Science -Earth, Life, a Physical Science or all -Laboratory Experiences	3
Technology Education	1
Choice: One of the following: -Foreign Language -Advanced Technology, or -Complete a State Approved Career and Technology Program	2 2 6-12
Electives Meet Student Service Requirements Pass all required Functional Tests	3
Total Minimum	21

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Diplomas and Certificates (State)

 

The diploma awarded to students upon graduation from a Maryland public high school shall be:

 

            1.         A State diploma; and

            2.         In recognition of the fulfillment of the minimum enrollment, competency prerequisite, credit and student service requirements.

 

There is also a State certificate for completion of a special education program named the Maryland High School Certificate. This certificate is awarded only to students with disabilities who cannot meet the requirements for a diploma but who meet one of the following standards:

 

            1.         The student is enrolled in an education program for at least four (4) years beyond grade eight or its age equivalent, and is determined by an Admission, Review and Dismissal Committee, with the agreement of the parents of the student with disabilities, to have developed appropriate skills for the individual to enter the world of work, act responsibly as a citizen and enjoy a fulfilling life, with the world of work including but not limited to:

 

                        a.         Gainful employment,

                        b.         Work activity centers,

                        c.         Sheltered workshops, and

                        d.         Supported employment.

 

            2.         The student has been enrolled in an education program for four (4) years beyond grade eight or its age equivalent and has reached age 21.

 

Service Learning Graduation Requirement

 

Worcester County has chosen an integrated program as the best way to ensure students will be able to participate in service opportunities.

 

The middle school program consists of grade-level projects based on themes. In-class activities, guest speakers, and field trips in the community help students to learn about service to others.

 

The 9^th grade program is in the required social studies class and is correlated to the core learning goals in Government.

 

Alternatives to Four Year Enrollment

 

In recognition of the fact that four year enrollment in a public high school may not serve the best interests of some students, the following alternatives are available:

 

            1.         Early College Admission Program

            2.         Early admission to an approved vocational, technical or other post-secondary program

            3.         General Educational Development Testing Program

            4.         Maryland Adult External High School Diploma Program

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Senior Scheduling Alternatives

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Seniors have two scheduling alternatives:

 

            1.         Concurrent enrollment at Colleges/Universities/Other Schools. Seniors may, for part of the day, take college credit (not remedial) courses at neighboring colleges/ universities/ other schools in order to further their education.

            2.         Early completion of Graduation Requirements and release from high school in January of the senior year. Students must meet all course work and other requirements in order to qualify for early admission to post-secondary education. Special provisions will be made for students during the senior year to encourage them to stay in high school.

 

Worcester County Certificate Programs (for graduates prior to or in 2008)

 

Certification in programs can be met by completing the requirements set forth below:

 

College Prep Program

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Liberal Arts (minimum of 24 credits)
English	4 credits (3 must be earned in Level III or Level IV courses)
Social Studies	4 credits (2 must be earned in Level III or Level IV courses; 1 U.S. History; 1 World History; 1 Government)
Science	3 credits (must be Level III or higher)
Mathematics	3 credits (must be Level III or higher)
Fine Arts	1 credit (Art, Music, Drama)
Foreign Language	2 credits
College Research and Study Skills	1 credit
Technology Education	1 credit
Physical Education/Family Life and Human Development/Health	1 credit
Other Electives	4 credits required for certificate
Functional Tests	Meet all requirements
Student Service	Meet all requirements
Mathematics and Science Technology (minimum of 24 credits)
English	4 credits (3 must be earned in Level III or Level IV courses)
Social Studies	3 credits (2 must be earned in Level III or Level IV courses; 1 must be in U.S. History; 1 World History; 1 Government)
Science	4 credits (must be earned in Level III or Level IV courses)
Mathematics	4 credits (must be Level III or IV)
Computer Science	1 credit
Technology Education	1 credit
Physical Education/Family Life and Human Development/Health	1 credit
Fine Arts	1 credit (Art, Music, Drama)
Foreign Language	2 credits
College Research and Study Skills	1 credit
Electives	2 credits (Level III or higher)
Functional Tests	Meet all requirements
Student Service	Meet all requirements

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Students receiving this certificate may have no final course grade of F. Students must also have a 3.5 weighted GPA. This is a 28-credit requirement.

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