School Board of the City of Virginia Beach
Regulation 5-30.1

STUDENTS

Graduation Requirements

A. Requirements for a Standard Diploma

1. Students shall earn twenty-two standard units of credit and, of the total credits earned, students shall earn the following number of verified units of credit (see 8 VAC 20-131-110): English-two, mathematics-one, science-one, history/social science-one, and one additional verified unit of credit of the student's own choosing.

2. Students who first enter ninth grade during the 2000-2001, 2001-2002, and 2002-2003 school years must earn the standard units of credit listed in the chart below to achieve a standard diploma. Of the 22 standard credits required, six (6) must be verified credits, two (2) of which must be in English. All four (4) of the other verified credits these students must have to graduate are in subjects of their own choosing.

3. Credits required for graduation beginning with students who first enter ninth grade in 2003-2004.

Discipline Area	Units of Credit	Required to be Verified
English	4	2
Mathematics	3	1
(Courses completed to satisfy this requirement shall be at or above the level of Algebra and shall include at least two course selections from among: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, or other mathematics courses above the level of Algebra and Geometry.)
Laboratory Science	3	1
(Courses completed to satisfy this requirement shall include course selections from at least two different science disciplines: Earth Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.)
History and Social Sciences	3	1
(Courses completed to satisfy this requirement shall include U.S. and Virginia History, U.S. and Virginia Government, and one world history/geography course.)
Health and Physical Education	2
Fine Arts or Practical Arts	1
Electives	6
Student Selected Test		1
Total	22	6

4. Students completing the requirements for the standard diploma may be eligible to receive a Board of Education seal or other honor deemed appropriate by the School Board as described in School Board Policy 5-29.

5. Students who earn a Standard Diploma may participate in commencement exercises.

B. Requirements for an Advanced Studies Diploma

1. Beginning with the ninth grade class of 2000-01 (graduating class of 2003-04), students shall earn the twenty-four standard credits and, of the total credits earned, students shall earn the following number of verified units of credits (see § VAC 20-131-110): English-two, mathematics-two, science-two, history/social science-two, and one additional verified unit of credit of the student's own choosing.

2. Credits Required for Graduation

Discipline Area	Units of Credit	Required to be Verified
English	4	2
Mathematics	4	2
(Courses completed to satisfy this requirement shall be at or above the level of Algebra and shall include at least three different course selections from among: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, or other mathematics courses above the level of Algebra II.)
Laboratory Science	4	2
(Courses completed to satisfy this requirement shall include course selections from at least three different science disciplines from among: Earth Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.)
History and Social Sciences	4	2
(Courses completed to satisfy this requirement shall include U.S. and Virginia History, U.S. and Virginia Government, and two world history/geography courses.)
Foreign Language	3
Health and Physical Education	2
Fine Arts or Practical Arts	1
Electives	2
Student Selected Test		1
Total	24	9

3. Students completing the requirements for the advanced studies diploma may be eligible to receive a Governor's seal or other honor deemed appropriate by the School Board as described in School Board Policy 5-29.

4. Students who earn an Advanced Studies Diploma may participate in commencement exercises.

C. Requirements for the Modified Standard Diploma

1. The Modified Standard Diploma program is intended for certain students at the secondary level who have a disability and are unlikely to meet the credit requirements for a Standard Diploma. Eligibility and participation in the Modified Standard Diploma program shall be determined by the student’s Individual Education Program (IEP) team and the student, where appropriate, at any point after the student’s eighth grade year.

2. The school must secure the informed written consent of the parent/guardian and the student to choose this diploma program after review of the student’s academic history and the full disclosure of the student’s options.

3. The student who has chosen to pursue a Modified Standard Diploma shall also be allowed to pursue the Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma at any time throughout that student’s high school career. The student must not be excluded from courses and tests required to earn a Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma.

4. Beginning with the ninth grade class of 2000-01, student pursing the Modified Standard Diploma shall pass literacy and numeracy competency assessments prescribed by the State Board of Education.

5. Credits required for graduation with a Modified Standard Diploma.

Discipline Area	Standard Units of Credit Required
English	4
Mathematics 1	3
Science 2	2
History and Social Science 3	2
Health and Physical Education	2
Fine or Practical Arts	1
Electives 4	6
Total	20

¹ Courses completed to satisfy this requirement shall include content from among applications of algebra, geometry, personal finance, and statistics in courses that have been approved by the State Board of Education.

² Courses completed shall include content from at least two of the following: application of earth science, biology, chemistry, or physics in courses approved by the State Board of Education.

³ Course completed to satisfy this requirement should include one unit of credit in U.S. and Virginia History and one unit of credit in U.S. and Virginia Government in courses approved by the State Board of Education.

⁴ Beginning with the graduation class of 2003, courses to satisfy this requirement shall include at least two sequential electives in the same manner required for the Standard Diploma.

6. Students who earn a Modified Standard Diploma may participate in commencement exercises.

D. Requirements for a Special Diploma

1. A Special Diploma is available to students with disabilities who complete the requirements of their IEP and who do not meet the requirements for other diplomas.

2. Students who earn a Special Diploma may participate in commencement exercises.

E. Requirements for the General Achievement Diploma

1. The General Achievement Diploma is intended to provide a diploma option for high school dropouts and individuals who exit high school without a diploma. It should not be a first option for high school students.

2. Individuals who are at least 18 years of age and not enrolled in public school or not otherwise meeting the compulsory school attendance requirements set forth in the Code of Virginia §22.1-254 shall be eligible to earn the General Achievement Diploma. Diploma candidates may be individuals who are of the age to enroll in a public school whether they choose to enroll or not; or individuals who because of their age are not eligible to enroll in a public school.

3. The required number of standard units of credit may be earned by enrolling in

a. A public school if the individual meets the age requirements,

b. A community college or other institution of higher education,

c. An adult high school program, or

d. Correspondence, distance learning, and online courses.

4. Diploma candidates shall participate in GED preparation.

5. Credit and assessment requirements for graduation with a General Achievement Diploma:

Discipline Area	Standard Units of Credit Required	Assessment Required
English	4	None
Mathematics 1	3	None
Science 2	2	None
History and Social Sciences 3	2	None
Electives 4	9	None
Total	20	Achieve a passing score on the GED examination

¹ Courses completed to satisfy this requirement shall include content in mathematics courses that incorporate or exceed the content of courses approved by the State Board of Education to satisfy any other State Board-recognized diploma.

² Courses completed to satisfy this requirement shall include content in science courses that incorporate or exceed the content of courses approved by the State Board of Education to satisfy any other State Board-recognized diploma.

³ Courses completed to satisfy this requirement shall include one unit of credit in Virginia and U.S. History and one unit of credit in Virginia and U.S. Government in courses that incorporate or exceed the content of courses approved by the State Board of Education to satisfy any other State Board-recognized diploma.

⁴ Courses shall include at least two sequential electives in an area of concentration or specialization, which may include career and technical education and training.

6. Students receiving a General Achievement Diploma will not participate in commencement exercises in commencement exercises.

F. Certificate of Program Completion

1. A Certificate of Program Completion is an option for a senior who has not met the requirements for graduation by the end of the summer session of the senior year. It is not a diploma and should not be a first option for a high school student.

2. If a student completes the twelfth grade or senior year having earned the required number of standard units of credit, and has not earned the corresponding required verified credits, the student may elect to attempt to earn a diploma by taking the needed SOL tests in the summer session or subsequent administrations. In the event that the student earns the required verified credit, he/she is considered a graduate and earns a State Board of Education recognized diploma, and may participate in commencement exercises.

3. If a student does not earn the required verified credits for graduation during subsequent administrations of the SOL tests by the end of summer school after their senior year, he/she will be granted a Certificate of Program Completion. Students who are awarded the Certificate of Program Completion may continue to take the necessary SOL test(s) for a period of up to three (3) years from the date on which the Certificate of Program Completion was awarded in order to upgrade the certificate to a standard or advanced studies diploma. In extenuating circumstances, the three (3) year period may be extended by the Superintendent.

4. Students who earn a Certificate of Program Completion shall not participate in commencement exercises.

G. Definitions

1. Standard Units of Credit

The standard unit of credit for graduation shall be based on a minimum of 140 clock hours of instruction. When credit is awarded in less than whole units, the increment awarded must be no greater than the fractional part of the 140 hours of instruction provided.

2. Verified Units of Credit

A verified unit of credit for graduation shall be based on a minimum of 140 clock hours of instruction and the achievement by the student of a passing score on the end-of-course Standards of Learning tests, substitute assessments, or student selected tests and certain professional and Industry certifications and licenses.

3. Substitute Tests

Tests that have been approved by the Board of Education as additional tests that enable students to earn verified units of credit. (§VAC 20-131-110.B)

H. Exceptions

Exceptions to the stated requirements may only be made in accordance with the Board of Education Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia.

I. Residency

Students enrolled in the Virginia Beach City Public Schools during the final semester of the student's senior year shall be eligible for a diploma from the school division provided the requirements for graduation as set forth herein and in the Virginia Board of Education Regulations Establishing Standards for Accreditation of Public Schools in Virginia have been met.

Students transferring into a Virginia Beach school during the student’s senior year shall be required to meet the requirements set forth in Division Regulation 5-25.3.

J. Standards of Learning Tests

Beginning with the ninth grades class of 1998-99, the Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments shall constitute the primary evaluation of student academic achievement. Each student in middle or secondary school taking high school credit-bearing courses shall take all applicable end-of-course SOL tests, and may take applicable substitute tests, and /or certain professional and industry certifications and licenses. Beginning with the ninth grade class of 2000-01, students shall be required to pass six end-of-course SOL tests or the above mentioned alternatives as allowable by Virginia Standards of Accreditation (§ VAC 20-131-110) in order to receive a standard diploma and nine end-of-course SOL tests in order to receive an advanced studies diploma.

K. Special Provisions

1. When students below the ninth grade successfully complete courses offered for credit in the ninth, tenth, eleventh or twelfth grade subjects, credit shall be counted toward meeting the standard units required for graduation provided the courses meet the SOL requirements or are equivalent in content and academic vigor to those courses offered at the secondary level, or verified units provided students achieve a passing score on the end-of-course SOL tests.

2. Students who are graduating from a secondary school and do not intend to continue their education should have identified marketable skills.

3. Students completing graduation requirements in a summer school accredited under these standards shall be eligible for a diploma. The last school attended by the student during the regular session shall award the diploma, unless otherwise agreed upon by the principals of the two schools.

4. A secondary school shall accept credits of students transferring from other accredited secondary schools, including summer schools, special sessions, schools accredited through the Virginia Council for Private Education and educational programs operated by the state. Credit also shall be accepted for courses satisfactorily completed in accredited colleges and universities when prior written approval of the principal has been granted.

5. Records of transferred students shall be sent directly to the school receiving the student upon request of the receiving school in accordance with the provisions of the “Management of the Student’s Scholastic Record in Virginia.”

6. Beginning with the ninth grade class of 1998-99, the transcript of a student who graduates or transfers from a Virginia secondary school shall show the units of standard or verified credit earned and required for graduation with a standard or advanced diploma.

7. Students transferring into a Virginia school division shall be required to earn a minimum of 22 standard credits and the appropriate number of verified credits beginning with the ninth grade class of 2000-01) for graduation. Each student's prior record shall be evaluated to determine the number of credits previously earned and the number of additional credits required for graduation. Specified courses normally taken at lower grade levels shall not be required, provided the student has completed the courses required at those grade levels by the school division or state from which he or she transferred. Students transferring from states not giving credit for health and physical education shall not be required to repeat these courses.

Students transferring after 20 instructional hours of their senior or 12th grade year shall be given every opportunity to earn a standard or advanced studies diploma.

If it is not possible for the student to meet the requirements for a diploma, arrangements should be made for the student’s previous school to award the diploma. If this arrangement cannot be made, a waiver of verified credit requirements may be requested by the School Board to the State Board of Education.

8. Students who have met the requirements and conditions set forth in these standards and disabled students who have completed the requirements of an individualized education program shall be awarded the appropriate diploma or certificate. The last school attended by the student during regular session shall award the diploma or certificate unless otherwise determined by the two superintendents.

Regulatory Authority :

Superintendent's Memorandum Number 247, Commonwealth of Virginia, December 9, 1987.

Virginia Board of Education Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia, § VAC 20-131-10 et seq.

Superintendent's Memorandum Number 79, Commonwealth of Virginia, June 7, 2002.

Approved by Superintendent: July 16, 1991
Revised by Superintendent: August 18, 1992
Revised by Superintendent: September 21, 1993 (Effective August 14, 1993)
Revised by Superintendent: October 19, 1993
Revised by Superintendent: February 10, 1999
Revised by Superintendent: May 26, 2004
Revised by Superintendent: March 17, 2006