Required Coursework
To earn a diploma from a District high school, students must successfully complete the following components, as evidenced by:
- passing grades;
- successful performance on competency-based equivalency examinations, where approved by the District; and
- other authorized methods permitted by law, board policy, and administrative regulation.
Coursework used to satisfy graduation requirements shall:
- reflect attainment of a minimum of 24 credits;
- be aligned to the Wyoming Content and Performance and graduation standards in grades nine (9) through twelve (12;
- reflect a logical sequence and progression of instruction;
- include in-classroom or out-of-classroom learning experiences that equip students to learn, work, contribute, and thrive in society;
- be approved by the District for credit toward graduation; and
- at a minimum, include the following:
- Four (4) school years of English or successful performance on competency-based equivalency examinations if approved by the District under this policy;
- Three (3) school years of mathematics or successful performance on competency-based equivalency examinations if approved by the District under this policy;
- Three (3) school years of science, one (1) year of which may be satisfied by one (1) year of a computer science course or successful performance on competency-based equivalency examinations if approved by the District under this policy;
- Three (3) school years of social studies, including history, American government, and economic systems and institutions or successful performance on competency-based equivalency examinations if approved by the District under this policy;
- Satisfactorily passing an examination on the principles of the Constitution of the United States and the state of Wyoming.
- One year of physical education and one-half year of health.
- Demonstration of competency of at least two of Wyoming’s Graduation Standards, including:
- mastery and application of foundational knowledge and skills and the ability to transfer learning in one context to a new learning in more complex or novel situations or different content areas; and
- at a minimum competency in one or more of the following:
- i. think critically and creatively to solve complex problems,
- ii. communicate effectively to various purposes, audiences, and mediums,
- iii. identify and use credible sources of information to build knowledge and make decisions,
- iv. demonstrate strong interpersonal and collaboration skills,
- v. demonstrate curiosity, self-awareness, resilience, and a growth mindset,
- vi. Practice effective work habits, including organization, time management, attention to detail, and follow-through.
- The District shall identify the process, instructional opportunities, and performance expectations through which students may demonstrate competency of Wyoming’s Graduation Standards and guidelines for which standard(s) are required for graduation.
- Eight semesters of coursework in grades nine (9) through twelve (12).
Graduation Standards
Options and Supports for Demonstrating Graduation Standards:
The district shall provide and document options and supports available to enable students to demonstrate competency of Graduation Standards. Such options may include, as determined by the district:
- Coursework and classroom performance;
- Projects, performances, portfolios, exhibitions, or presentations;
- Work-based or community-based learning experiences;
- Career and technical education experiences;
- Assessments to demonstrations of competency;
- Dual or concurrent enrollment coursework;
- Intervention, remediation, tutoring, mentoring, or academic support services; and
- Other approved opportunities aligned to district expectations.
Each High School Principal or designee shall ensure that students and parents/guardians are informed of available options and supports.
Learning Progressions and Monitoring of Student Progress Toward Graduation Standards:
The district shall maintain learning progressions, rubrics, or other locally adopted measures to monitor and document student progress on graduation standards. The Superintendent or designee shall establish procedures for:
- Identifying the learning progressions or rubrics used;
- Documenting student progress;
- Communicating progress to students and parents/guardians;
- Using progress information to guide instruction and support; and
- Determining when a student has satisfied applicable graduation-standard expectations.
Student Success Plans
High schools shall maintain a process for Student Success Plans consistent with law, board policy, and district practice. Student Success Plans shall support students in planning for graduation and shall address coursework and opportunities for students to meet the state performance and graduation standards and student career interests.
Post-Secondary Coursework
Academic credit toward the district’s high school diploma requirements shall be awarded for successful completion of qualifying post-secondary coursework as provided by law at no cost to students. The Superintendent or designee shall establish procedures for:
- Reviewing qualifying postsecondary courses;
- Determining the application of such coursework to graduation requirements;
- Awarding credit and recording credit on transcripts; and
- Communicating approval and enrollment requirements to students and families.
Graduation Ceremonies
The high school principal and staff shall plan suitable culmination activities for those graduating from high school.
The Board chairman or other person designated by the Board shall present diplomas at graduation or shall give this honor to a member who has a son or daughter graduating.
All students who have successfully completed the requirements set by the Board and are in good standing may participate in the graduation exercises.
Any student with an IDEA Disability eligible to earn a Certificate of Completion may participate in graduation ceremonies. Students who earn a Certificate of Completion and choose to remain in school until they age out (end of the school year in which they turn 21) may participate in ceremonies only once. The year of participation in the ceremony is made with the parents/guardians and IEP Team.
The principal of the high school is authorized to withhold participation privileges in the graduation exercises and other senior activities for good cause. The principal, upon withholding the participation privileges, shall make an immediate and complete report to the Superintendent.
