1. Each district school board shall establish standards for graduation from its schools which shall include as a minimum:
(a) Mastery of minimum academic skills as measured by assessments developed and administered by the State Board of Education.
(b) Completion of a minimum number of academic credits, and all other applicable requirements prescribed by the district school board.
2. Only students who meet all requirements prescribed in subsection (1) of this section shall be awarded a standard diploma in a form prescribed by the state board. Students must meet this requirement to participate in graduation ceremonies.
3. The State Board of Education may establish student proficiency standards for promotion to grade levels leading to graduation. '37-16-7 (1999)
Each student graduating from Ocean Springs High School will have earned the required Carnegie units as specified in the following tables:
The incoming 9th grade class of the 1998-1999 school year and thereafter.
Seniors school year 2001-2002 and thereafter.
| CURRICULUM AREA |
UNITS |
REQUIRED SUBJECTS |
| English |
4 |
|
| Mathematics |
3 |
1 Algebra*; and, 1 Geometry |
| Science |
3** |
1 Biology I |
| Social Studies |
4 |
1 World History; 1 U.S. History; 1/2 U. S. Government; 1/2 Mississippi Studies***; 1/2 Geography; 1/2 Economics |
| Health |
1/2****** |
Comprehensive Health or Family and Individual Health |
| Business and Technology |
1**** |
1/2 Keyboarding; 1/2 Computer Applications |
| The Arts |
1 |
|
| Electives |
11 1/2***** |
|
| TOTAL UNITS REQUIRED |
28 |
|
| * |
Algebra I may be taken in eighth grade for Carnegie unit credit. |
| ** |
One unit may be in Diversified Technology or Introduction to Agriscience or Agriscience I or Allied Health I. |
| *** |
The credit earned for a State/Local Government course in any other state by an out-of-state transfer student who enters after the sophomore year can stand in lieu of Mississippi Studies or Mississippi State and Local Government. |
| **** |
Computer Discovery is accepted in lieu of these two 1/2 unit courses and may be taken in the eighth grade for Carnegie unit credit. |
| ***** |
Elective units in band, physical education, and choral music are limited to a total of three units applied toward meeting the minimum graduation requirements. In addition, no more than two of the three units in band, physical education, and choral music may be in the same area. The required unit in the Arts is not included in the limit on elective units. |
| ****** |
Only 200126 Family and Individual Health may count in lieu of Comprehensive Health. |
The incoming 9th grade class of 2005-2006 and thereafter:
Seniors of the School Year 2008-2009 and LATER
| CURRICULUM AREA |
CARNEGIE UNITS |
REQUIRED SUBJECTS |
| English |
41 |
|
| Mathematics |
42 |
1 Algebra; 1 Geometry |
| Science |
33 |
1 Biology I |
| Social Studies |
4 |
1 World History; 1 U.S. History; 1/2 U.S. Government; 1/2 Mississippi Studies4; 1/2 Geography; 1/2 Economics |
| Health |
1/2 |
Comprehensive Health or Family and Individual Health |
| Business and Technology |
15 |
1/2 Keyboarding; 1/2 Computer Applications |
| The Arts |
1 |
|
| Electives |
10 1/26 |
|
| TOTAL UNITS REQUIRED |
28 |
|
1 Compensatory Reading and Compensatory Writing may not be included in the four English courses required for graduation; however, these courses may be included in the 10 1/2 general electives required for graduation.
2 Beginning school year with the eighth graders of 2004-2005, Pre-Algebra and Transition to Algebra, as well as Algebra I, may be taken in the eighth grade for Carnegie unit credit. Survey of Mathematical Topics, Compensatory Mathematics and any developmental mathematics course may not be included in the four mathematics courses required for graduation, however, these courses may be included in the 10 1/2 general electives required for graduation. At least one of the four required mathematics courses must be higher than Algebra I. The allowable mathematics courses that can be taken which are higher than Algebra I are: Geometry, Algebra II, Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, Discrete Mathematics, Probability and Statistics, and AP Statistics.
3 One unit may be in Technology Applications or Introduction to Agriscience or Agriscience I or Concepts of Agriscience or Allied Health or Aquaculture.
4 The credit earned for a State/Local Government course in any other state by an out-of-state transfer student who enters after the sophomore year can stand in lieu of Mississippi Studies or Mississippi State and Local Government.
5 One unit in Computer Discovery is accepted in lieu of two-unit courses. Evidence of proficiency in Keyboarding and Computer Applications is accepted in lieu of the required courses if the student earns one unit in any of the courses listed in the Business and Technology Framework (academic and vocational).
6 Elective units in physical education include participation in interscholastic athletic activities that meet the instructional requirements specified in the Fitness through Physical Education Framework and that are sanctioned by the Mississippi High School Activities Association.
7 Elective units in physical education include participation in interscholastic athletic activities that meet the instructional requirements specified in the Fitness through Physical Education Framework and that are sanctioned by the Mississippi High School Activities Association.
Each student graduating from a secondary school in an accredited school district will have earned the required Carnegie units as specified in the following table. Contents of each required and elective course must include the core objectives identified in the Mississippi Curriculum Frameworks. Course titles and identification numbers must appear in the current edition of Approved Courses for Secondary Schools of Mississippi. (See SB Policy ICFA-1.) Enrollment in on-line and correspondence courses listed in this book must have prior approval granted by the principal. No more than one (1) of the minimum required number of units may be earned through completion of an approved correspondence course. Elective courses that do not have identified content in the Mississippi Curriculum Frameworks or whose titles do not appear in the current edition of Approved Courses for the Secondary Schools of Mississippi must be approved according to criteria stated in Appendix D.
APPENDIX A-1
SENIORS OF SCHOOL YEAR 2004-2005, 2005-2006, 2006-2007, and 2007-2008
(Entering ninth graders in 2001-2002, 2002-2003, 2003-2004, and 2004-2005)
| CURRICULUM AREA |
CARNEGIE UNITS |
REQUIRED SUBJECTS |
| English |
41 |
|
| Mathematics |
32 |
Algebra I |
| Science |
33 |
Biology I |
| Social Studies |
4 |
1 World History; 1 U.S. History; 1/2 U.S. Government; 1/2 Mississippi Studies4 |
| Health |
1/2 |
Comprehensive Health or Family and Individual Health |
| Business & Technology |
15 |
1 Computer Discovery or 1/2 Keyboarding and 1/2 Computer Applications |
| The Arts |
1 |
Any approved 500.000 course or completion of the 2-course sequence for Computer Graphics Technology I and II |
| Electives |
11 1/26 |
|
| Total Units Required |
28 |
|
1 Compensatory Reading and Compensatory Writing courses may not be included in the four English courses required for graduation, however, these courses may be included in the 10 1/2 general electives required for graduation.
2 Compensatory Mathematics and any developmental mathematics course may not be included in the three mathematics courses required for graduation, however, these courses may be included in the 10 1/2 general electives required for graduation. At least one of the three required mathematics courses must be higher than Algebra I. The allowable mathematics courses that can be taken which are higher than Algebra I are: Geometry, Algebra II, Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, Discrete Mathematics, Probability and Statistics, and AP Statistics.
3 One unit may be in Technology Applications or Introduction to Agriscience or Agriscience I or Concepts of Agriscience or Allied Health or Aquaculture or Science of Agricultural Plants or Science of Agricultural Animals or Science of Agricultural Environment. Two units may be in the following courses if the student completes the 2-course sequence: Agriscience I & II; Allied Health I & II; Aquaculture I & II; Forestry I & II; Horticulture I & II; Plastics and Polymer Science I & II; and Technology Applications I & II.
4 The credit earned for a State/Local Government course in any other state by an out-of-state transfer student who enters after the sophomore year can stand in lieu of Mississippi Studies or Mississippi State and Local Government.
5 Evidence of proficiency in Keyboarding and Computer Applications is accepted in lieu of the required courses if the student earns one unit in any of the courses listed in the Business and Technology Framework (academic and vocational).
6 Elective units in physical education include participation in interscholastic athletic activities that meet the instructional requirements specified in the Fitness through Physical Education Framework and that are sanctioned by the Mississippi High School Activities Association.
APPENDIX A-2
STANDARD HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
Any student who completes the minimum graduation requirements as specified below and has achieved a passing score on each of the required high school exit examinations is eligible to receive a Standard High School Diploma.
Beginning school year 2008-2009 and thereafter, students will be enrolled in a standard curriculum and required to have a minimum of 28 Carnegie units to receive a Standard Diploma, unless their parent/guardian requests to opt the student out of the standard curriculum. The local school district may establish additional local requirements approved by the local school board as authorized under MS Code 37-16-7.
|
CURRICULUM AREA
|
CARNEGIE UNITS
|
REQUIRED SUBJECTS
|
|
English
|
41
|
|
|
Mathematics
|
42
|
Algebra I
|
|
Science
|
43
|
Biology I
|
|
Social Studies
|
4
|
1 World History; 1 U.S. History; 1/2 U.S. Government; 1/2 Economics; 1/2 Mississippi Studies4
|
|
Health
|
1/2
|
Comprehensive Health or Family and Individual Health
|
|
Business & Technology
|
15
|
1 Computer Discovery or 1/2 Keyboarding and 1/2 Computer Applications
|
|
The Arts
|
1
|
Any approved 500,000 course or completion of the 2-course sequence for Computer Graphics Technology I and II
|
|
Electives
|
9 1/26
|
|
|
Total Units Required
|
28
|
|
1 Compensatory Reading and Compensatory Writing may not be included in the four English courses required for graduation; however, these courses may be included in the 9 1/2 general electives required for graduation.
2 Compensatory Mathematics and any developmental mathematics course may not be included in the four mathematics courses required for graduation; however, these courses may be included in the 9 1/2 general electives required for graduation. One of the four required mathematics units may be in Drafting if the student completes the 2-course sequence for Drafting I & II. Beginning school year 2007-2008 for all entering eighth graders, at least two of the four required mathematics courses must be higher than Algebra I. The allowable mathematics courses that can be taken which are higher than Algebra I are: Geometry, Algebra II, Advanced Algebra,Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, Discrete Mathematics, Probability and Statistics, and AP Statistics. Effective with the eighth graders of 2004-2005, Pre-Algebra, Transition to Algebra, and Algebra I, may be taken in the eighth grade for Carnegie unit credit. Effective with the eighth graders of 2004-2005, Pre-Algebra, Transition to Algebra, and Algebra I, may be taken in the eighth grade for Carnegie unit credit.
3 One unit may be in Introduction to Agriscience, Concepts of Agriscience, Science of Agricultural Plants, Science of Agricultural Animals, or Science of Agricultural Environment. Two units may be in the following courses if the student completes the 2-course sequence: Agriscience I & II; Allied Health I & II; Aquaculture I & II; Forestry I & II; Horticulture I & II; Plastics and Polymer Science I & II; and Technology Applications I & II. Beginning school year 2008-2009 for all entering eighth graders, one unit must be a lab-based physical science. The allowable lab-based physical science courses are Physical Science, Chemistry I, Chemistry II, AP Chemistry, Physics I, Physics II, AP Physics B, AP Physics C - Electricity and Magnetism, and AP Physics C - Mechanics.
4 The credit earned for a State/Local Government course in any other state by an out-of-state transfer student who enters after the sophomore year can stand in lieu of Mississippi Studies or Mississippi State and Local Government.
5 Evidence of proficiency in Keyboarding and Computer Applications is accepted in lieu of the required courses if the student earns one unit in any of the courses listed in the Business and Technology Framework (academic and vocational).
6 Elective units in physical education include participation in interscholastic athletic activities that meet the instructional requirements specified in the Fitness through Physical Education Framework and that are sanctioned by the Mississippi High School Activities Association.
APPENDIX A-3
ADVANCED DIPLOMA
Beginning school year 2008-2009 and thereafter, students will be enrolled in a standard curriculum and able to seek admission into an Advanced Diploma curriculum. Any student who is taken out of the requirements for an Advanced Diploma will be required to complete the graduation requirements for a Standard High School Diploma or a Basic State Diploma ( if ruled eligible). The local school district may establish additional local requirements approved by the local school board as authorized under MS Code 37-16-7.
|
CURRICULUM AREA
|
CARNEGIE UNITS
|
REQUIRED SUBJECTS
|
|
English
|
41
|
|
|
Mathematics
|
42
|
Algebra I
|
|
Science
|
43
|
Biology I
|
|
Social Studies
|
4
|
1 World History; 1 U.S. History; 1/2 U.S. Government; 1/2 Economics; 1/2 Mississippi Studies4
|
|
Health
|
1/2
|
Comprehensive Health or Family and Individual Health
|
|
Business & Technology
|
15
|
1 Computer Discovery or 1/2 Keyboarding and 1/2 Computer Applications
|
|
The Arts
|
1
|
Any approved 500,000 course or completion of the 2-course sequence for Computer Graphics Technology I and II
|
|
Electives
|
13 1/26
|
|
|
Total Units Required
|
32
|
|
1 Compensatory Reading and Compensatory Writing may not be included in the four English courses required for graduation; however, these courses may be included in the 9 1/2 general electives required for graduation.
2 Compensatory Mathematics and any developmental mathematics course may not be included in the four mathematics courses required for graduation; however, these courses may be included in the 9 1/2 general electives required for graduation. One of the four required mathematics units may be in Drafting if the student completes the 2-course sequence for Drafting I & II. Beginning school year 2007-2008 for all entering eighth graders, at least two of the four required mathematics courses must be higher than Algebra I. The allowable mathematics courses that can be taken which are higher than Algebra I are: Geometry, Algebra II, Advanced Algebra,Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, Discrete Mathematics, Probability and Statistics, and AP Statistics. Effective with the eighth graders of 2004-2005, Pre-Algebra, Transition to Algebra, and Algebra I, may be taken in the eighth grade for Carnegie unit credit. Effective with the eighth graders of 2004-2005, Pre-Algebra, Transition to Algebra, and Algebra I, may be taken in the eighth grade for Carnegie unit credit.
3 One unit may be in Introduction to Agriscience, Concepts of Agriscience, Science of Agricultural Plants, Science of Agricultural Animals, or Science of Agricultural Environment. Two units may be in the following courses if the student completes the 2-course sequence: Agriscience I & II; Allied Health I & II; Aquaculture I & II; Forestry I & II; Horticulture I & II; Plastics and Polymer Science I & II; and Technology Applications I & II. Beginning school year 2008-2009 for all entering eighth graders, one unit must be a lab-based physical science. The allowable lab-based physical science courses are Physical Science, Chemistry I, Chemistry II, AP Chemistry, Physics I, Physics II, AP Physics B, AP Physics C - Electricity and Magnetism, and AP Physics C - Mechanics.
4 The credit earned for a State/Local Government course in any other state by an out-of-state transfer student who enters after the sophomore year can stand in lieu of Mississippi Studies or Mississippi State and Local Government.
5 Evidence of proficiency in Keyboarding and Computer Applications is accepted in lieu of the required courses if the student earns one unit in any of the courses listed in the Business and Technology Framework (academic and vocational).
6 Elective units in physical education include participation in interscholastic athletic activities that meet the instructional requirements specified in the Fitness through Physical Education Framework and that are sanctioned by the Mississippi High School Activities Association.
APPENDIX A-4
BASIC STATE DIPLOMA
Beginning school year 2008-2009 and thereafter, students may be eligible to graduate with a minimum of 24 Carnegie units as specified below. Students ruled eligible for the Basic State diploma will not be considered for either early release or early graduation, unless the student is classified as a fifth year senior.
The following criteria will be evaluated in determining if a student is eligible to opt out of a Standard diploma:
Age
Number of transfer credits
Documented medical need
The local school district may establish additional local requirements approved by the local school board as authorized under MS Code 37-16-7.
|
CURRICULUM AREA
|
CARNEGIE
UNITS
|
REQUIRED SUBJECTS
|
ENGLISH
|
41
|
|
|
MATHEMATICS
|
4
|
Algebra I
|
|
SCIENCE
|
4
|
Biology I
|
|
SOCIAL STUDIES
|
4
|
1 World History
1 U.S. History
½ Geography
½ U.S. Government
½ Economics
½ Mississippi Studies4
|
|
HEALTH
|
½
|
Comprehensive Health or
Family and Individual Health
|
|
BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY
|
1
|
1 Computer Discovery or ½ Keyboarding and
½ Computer Applications
|
|
THE ARTS
|
1
|
Any approved 500.000 course or completion of the 2-course sequence for Computer Graphics Technology I and II
|
ELECTIVES
|
5½
|
|
TOTAL UNITS REQUIRED
|
24
|
|
1 Compensatory Reading and Compensatory Writing may not be included in the four English courses required for graduation; however, these courses may be included in the 5½ general electives required for graduation.
2 Compensatory Mathematics and any developmental mathematics course may not be included in the four mathematics courses required for graduation; however, these courses may be included in the 5½ general electives required for graduation. One of the four required mathematics units may be in Drafting if the student completes the 2-course sequence for Drafting I & II. Beginning school year 2007-2008 for all entering eighth graders, at least two of the four required mathematics courses must be higher than Algebra I. The allowable mathematics courses that can be taken which are higher than Algebra I are: Geometry, Algebra II, Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, Discrete Mathematics, Probability and Statistics, and AP Statistics. Effective with the eight graders of 2004-2005, Pre-Algebra, Transition to Algebra, and Algebra I, may be taken in the eighth grade for Carnegie unit credit.
3 One unit may be in Introduction to Agriscience, Concepts of Agriscience, Science of Agricultural Plants, Science of Agricultural Animals, or Science of Agricultural Environment. Two units may be in the following courses if the student completes the 2-course sequence: Agriscience I & II; Allied Health I & II; Aquaculture I & II; Forestry I & II; Horticulture I & II; Plastics and Polymer Science I & II; and Technology Applications I & II. Two units may be earned by completing the AEST 3-course sequence: one unit in Concepts of Agriscience; one unit in Science of Agricultural Animals or Science of Agricultural Plants, or Science of Agricultural Environment; and one unit in Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship. Beginning school year 2008-2009 for all entering eight graders, one unit must be a lab-based physical science. The allowable lab-based physical science courses are Physical Science, Chemistry I, Chemistry II, AP Chemistry, Physics I, Physics II, AP Physics B, AP Physics C – Electricity and Magnetism, and AP Physics C – Mechanics.
4 The credit earned for a State/Local Government course in any other state by an out-of-state transfer student who enters after the sophomore year can stand in lieu of Mississippi Studies or Mississippi State and Local Government. If the transfer student took a State/Local Government course in a grade level that did not award Carnegie unit credit, then any other ½ unit social studies course may be accepted. An out-of-state student who transfers after the junior year may substitute any other ½ unit social studies course.
5 Evidence of proficiency in Keyboarding and Computer Applications is accepted in lieu of the required courses if the student earns one unit in any of the courses listed in the Business and Technology Framework (academic and vocational)
6 Elective units in physical education include participation in interscholastic athletic activities that meet the instructional requirements specified in the Fitness through Physical Education Framework and that are sanctioned by the Mississippi High School Activities Association.
All requirements as indicated by the Mississippi State Department of Education and the Commission of School Accreditation in Mississippi Public School Accountability Standards must be met by the graduate. These requirements are reflected in the current policy and include satisfactorily passing the high school exit examinations at the level established by the state. (MS Code 37-16-7)
All students will be required to remain on campus and be scheduled into four (4) periods unless the student is enrolled in a vocational course in which he/she earns credit for on-the-job training in a part-time job away from campus, is a "fifth-year senior," is a dual enrollment senior, or is a qualified senior who is granted release by the principal for two (2) periods a day upon written parental request.
Transfer students must earn at least three (3) of the last six (6) Carnegie units earned in the Ocean Springs School District. A student who transfers into the District during his/her senior year must have the transcript evaluated so that a determination can be made concerning eligibility for graduation based on District requirements.
All State and District requirements must be met in order for a student to participate in graduation and received a diploma. This includes foreign exchange students. (Decision of Mississippi Commission on School Accreditation, Summer 1988)
Students of Special Education graduation requirements are based on the criteria established by the Individual Education Plan (IEP) and are reviewed on an annual basis.
- Students of Special Education pursuing a regular diploma must meet all state and district requirements.
- Students of Special Education seeking a special certificate, i.e. a certificate of completion, are not required to take the high school exit examinations. (See IHFA)
- Students of Special Education pursuing a Mississippi Occupational Diploma will adhere to the standards as adopted by the State Board of Education. (See IHFA)
SPECIAL EDUCATION
The State Department of Education shall establish goals for the performance of children with disabilities that will promote the purpose of IDEA and are consistent, to the maximum extent appropriate, with other goals and standards for children established by the State Department of Education. Performance indicators used to assess progress toward achieving those goals that, at a minimum, address the performance of children with disabilities on assessments, drop-out rates, and graduation rates shall be developed. Every two (2) years, the progress toward meeting the established performance goals shall be reported to the public. Senate Bill 2506 (1999 Legislative Session) and ' 37-21-1 (1999)
For information on the awarding of a special diploma or an occupational diploma, please refer to MS Code ' 37-16-11.
NOTES:
1. Please refer to Appendix A of the Mississippi Public School Accountability Standards for a complete listing of course requirements for graduating seniors.
2. According to a 1998 Attorney General Opinion, automatic fail provision of an absences policy may not apply against legal, excused absences. Such absences policies may not be applied against absences resulting from disciplinary suspensions if absences policies are applied to truant children who are otherwise passing, the district must afford the child procedural due process. (Attorney General Opinion, Carter, 1-9-98) (#183) (97-0817)
The Mississippi Public School Accountability Standards for this policy are Standards 20 and 28.
LEGAL REF.: MS CODE as cited
Mississippi Public School Accountability Standards
ADOPTED: 07/13/1976
REVISED: 06/13/1978
08/12/1980
07/13/1982
12/10/1985
03/04/1987
12/13/1988
07/11/1989
11/12/1991
01/13/1998
10/14/1998
12/11/2001
06/08/2004
05/09/2006
11/11/2008
12/08/2009