• New Diploma Requirements In Effect

    Students will have to meet increased course work requirements and demonstrate proficiency in the Essential Skills in order to receive a regular high school diploma. 

    Students will also have to demonstrate their ability in the Essential Skill of Reading, either on the Oregon Assessment of Knowledge and Skills state test (OAKS), or another approved assessment, in order to receive a diploma, as well as earn the required number of course credits.  Please click here to read The Oregon Diploma document.

    The Oregon Department of Education provides options for Demonstrating Proficiency in the Essential Skills.

    Hood River County School District Board Policy #8470 (Rev 02/24/10):

    High School Diploma Requirements Alternative Certificate Requirements
    Modified Diploma Requirements Honorary Diploma Requirements
    Extended Diploma Requirements Graduation Ceremony Participation Requirements

    HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA

    A.  To earn a regular high school diploma from Hood River County School District, the following credits and proficiencies are required:

    Language Arts/English 4.0 credits
    Mathematics 3.0 credits
    Science 3.0 credits
    Social Studies 3.0 credits
    Applied Arts, Fine Arts or Second Language 2.0 credits
    Physical Education 1.0 credit
    Health Education 1.0 credit
    Computer Applications 0.5 credit
    Career Education 0.5 credit
    Planned Electives 8.5 credits
      26.5
    credits
    Proficiency is required in Reading in 2012, Writing in 2013 and Apply math in 2014.  

    In addition, all students must:

    1. Develop an educational plan and profile
    2. Demonstrate extended application through a collection of evidence
    3. Demonstrate career-related learning standards and participate in career related learning experiences

    		  

     

    B. Criteria for Course Credit:

    1. On-campus coursework, including proficiency-based coursework
    2. Transfer credits from:
      1. An accredited high school or private school
      2. An accredited post-secondary school
      3. School approved extension coursework: online courses or correspondence courses (prior approval strongly suggested)
    3. Challenge exams prepared by staff or provided by an accredited program
    4. Proficiency credit may be awarded in accordance with State law and school board guidelines in Procedure 8474.
    5. Credit is awarded in .5 increments.

    C.  If a student was enrolled in grade 9 during the 2008-09 school year or after, students must demonstrate proficiency in the Essential Skills using assessment options that are approved by the State Board of Education.

    II. MODIFIED DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS

    A.  A modified diploma will be awarded to students who have demonstrated the inability to meet the full set of academic standards established by the State Board of Education and the Hood River County School District school board for a diploma while receiving reasonable modifications and accommodations.

    B.  To be eligible for a modified diploma a student must:

    1. Have a documented history of an inability to maintain grade level achievements due to significant learning and instruction barriers; or
    2. Have a documented history of a medical condition that creates a barrier to achievement.

    C.  Course and credit requirements for a Modified Diploma are:

    Course and Credit Requirements for
    MODIFIED DIPLOMA

     

    English

    3.0 credits

    Mathematics

    2.0 credits

    Science

    2.0 credits

    Social Studies

    2.0 credits

    Career Technology, Arts, or Second Language

    1.0 credit

    Physical Education

    1.0 credit

    Health Education

    1.0 credit

    Planned Electives

    12.0 credits

     

    24.0 credits

    The student must also:
    1. Develop an educational plan and profile
    1. Demonstrate career-related learning standards and participate in career related learning experiences
    1. Demonstrate extended application

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    D.  Criteria for Course Credit:

    1.  The student, parent, counselor and/or case manager must have a written education plan that identifies the coursework that will be designated as modified.
    2.  In a modified course, the teacher must reduce or alter 50% or more of the educational standards, outcomes or expectations for a student who cannot successfully complete the standard curriculum with accommodations.
    3.  Students may earn units of credit through regular education with or without accommodations or modifications and through modified courses.
    4.  Proficiency credit may be awarded in accordance with State law and school board procedure 8474. 

    E.  Beginning in 5th grade, the student's school team shall annually provide information to the parents or guardians of the student taking an alternative assessment of the availability of a modified diploma and the requirements for the modified diploma. 

    F.  The student's school team shall decide that a student should work toward a modified diploma not earlier than the end of the 6th grade and no later than 2 years before the student's anticipated exit from high school.  The student's school team may decide that a student who was not previously working towards a modified diploma should work toward a modified diploma when a student is less than two years from anticipated exit from high school if the documented history of the student changes within criteria listed above in II(b).

    G.  The district may award a modified diploma to a student only upon the consent of the student's parent or guardian.  The school must receive the consent in writing and during the school year in which the modified diploma is awarded.  This requirement does not apply to a student who is emancipated or has reached the age of majority of 18 years of age at the time the modified diploma is awarded. 

    H.  Transcripts shall be provided which clearly identify modified courses that do not count toward the regular diploma but that do count toward modified diploma.  The school district shall inform the student and parent/guardian of the student, of the courses in grades 9-12 that have been modified for an individual. 

    I. Requirements and procedures for awarding proficiency credit are specified in procedure 8474.

    J.  Students currently engaged in the use of illegal drugs are not eligible for a modified diploma if the significant learning and instructional barriers are due to the use of the illegal drugs.  Students currently engaged in the illegal use of alcohol are not eligible for a modified diploma if the significant learning and instructional barriers are due to the alcohol abuse, regardless of whether that student is disabled under Section 504 on the basis of alcoholism. 

    K.  Notwithstanding paragraph (J) of this section, Hood River County School District may grant eligibility for a modified diploma to a student who is no longer engaging in illegal use of drugs or alcohol if the student:

    1. Has successfully completed a supervised drug or alcohol rehabilitation program and are no longer engaged in the illegal use of drugs or alcohol; or
    2. Has been rehabilitated successfully and is no longer engaged in the illegal use of dugs or alcohol; or
    3. Is participating in a supervised rehabilitation program and is no longer engaged in the illegal use of drugs or alcohol.

    L. Questions or appeals regarding the transfer or awarding of credits will be resolved by the resident school counselor and the building principal.

    III.  EXTENDED DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS

    A. An extended diploma will be awarded to students who have met specific requirements established by the State Board of Education and have demonstrated the inability to meet the full set of academic standards even with reasonable accommodations and modifications.

    B. To be eligible for an extended diploma a student must:

    1. Have participated in an alternate assessment beginning no later than grade six and lasting for two or more assessment cycles; or
    2. Have a serious illness or injury that occurs after grade eight, that changes the student's ability to participate in grade level activities and that results in the student participating in alternate assessments.
    3. Have a documented history of an inability to maintain grade level achievement due to significant learning and instructional barriers; or
    4. Have a documented medical condition that creates a barrier to achievement.

    C. Course and credit requirements for an Extended Diploma are:

    Course and Credit Requirements for
    EXTENDED DIPLOMA

     

    English

    2.0 credits

    Mathematics

    2.0 credits

    Science

    2.0 credits

    History, Geography, Economics or Civics

    3.0 credits

    Arts or Second Language

    1.0 credit

    Physical Education

    1.0 credit

    Health Education

    1.0 credit

     

    12.0 credits

     

     

     

     

     

     

    D. Criteria for Course Credit: While in grade nine through completion of high school, complete 12 credits, which may not include more than six credits in a self-contained special education classroom. 

    E. The district may award an extended diploma to a student only upon the consent of the student's parent or guardian.  The school must receive the consent in writing and during the school year in which the extended diploma is awarded.  This requirement does not apply to a student who is emancipated or has reached the age of majority of 18 years of age at the time the extended diploma is awarded. 

    F. Transcripts shall be provided which clearly identify modified courses that do not count toward the regular diploma but that do count toward an extended diploma.  The school district shall inform the student and parent/guardian of the student, of the courses in grades 9 -12 that have been modified for an individual. 

    G. Proficiency-based credit will be awarded based on the criteria in Procedure 8474.

    H. Questions or appeals regarding the transfer or awarding of credits will be resolved by the resident school counselor and the building principal.

    IV.  ALTERNATIVE CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS

    1. Alternative certificates shall be awarded to students who meet the minimum requirements established by the district, but do not satisfy the requirements for a high school diploma, modified diploma, or extended diploma.
    2. Criteria for Course Credit:
      1.  Student must be enrolled full-time for one school year; and
      2.  Student must maintain good academic standing, good attendance, and follow guidelines in the student handbook.
    3. An alternative certificate will be awarded based on a student's needs and achievement.

    V.  HONORARY DIPLOMA: An honorary diploma will be awarded to foreign exchange students in good standing who have attended a Hood River county school.

    VI.  GRADUATION CEREMONY PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

    1. Only students who have completed requirements for any high school diploma, modified diploma, extended diploma, alternative certificate or honorary diploma awarded by Hood River County School District listed within this Procedure 8470 or meet the criteria in Policy and Procedure 180 may participate in the graduation ceremony held at Hood River Valley High School.
    2. All credits required for diplomas must be authorized by a Hood River Valley County School District resident school counselor as completed two school days prior to the ceremony.
    3. Students must be enrolled within a Hood River county school or program during the spring semester including the graduation date, more than half time, or 5 of 8 periods, or more than hours/day in a 7-hour instructional day.  Enrollment may include college-level coursework or similar options.
    4. Exceptions:
      1. Early Graduation:  Students who complete diploma requirements during fall semester through an approved early graduation plan will not be required to enroll spring semester.
      2. Late Graduation:  Students who complete diploma requirements after spring semester of graduation are entitled to participate in the graduation ceremony the following year
    5. Hood River Valley High School reserves the right to deny the privilege of participation to students who violate specific behavior guidelines published and provided to students and parents.
    6. Questions or appeals regarding participation in the graduation ceremony will be resolved by the superintendent.

    Revised: 02/24/10

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