In order to acknowledge each student's successful completion of the instructional program, appropriate to the achievement of District goals and objectives as well as personal proficiency, the Board of Education awards a diploma to eligible students at a graduation ceremony.

The Board shall award a regular high school diploma to every student enrolled in this District who meets the requirements of graduation established by this Board or who properly completes the goals and objectives specified in his/her individualized education program (IEP) including either the exemption from or the requirement to complete the tests required by the State Board of Education in order to graduate. Each student must demonstrate, unless exempted, at least a proficient level of skill on the tests required by the State Board of Education to graduate.

For the Class of 2018 and beyond, a diploma shall be awarded to students meeting the curriculum credit requirements and who achieve one of the following three (3) options: a cumulative passing score with the required number of points in each area on end of course exams, earn the required points on the WorkKeys assessment and an approved industry-recognized credential, or earn a remediation-free score in English language arts and mathematics on the ACT or SAT, subject to limitations on assessments as outlined below.

Specific requirements for graduation may be found in the Course Description catalogue and in the School Handbook.

All students must receive instruction in economics and financial literacy during Grades 9–12. Additionally, all students must receive instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automated external defibrillator from an approved source during Grades 9-12, unless the student is exempted from such training due to disability or by written request of the parent.

Students who achieve an industry credential or license that requires an examination shall not be required to take additional technical assessments. If the student does not participate in licensure or license examination, the student shall take the applicable technical assessments. Students must attain specified scores on assessments as required to demonstrate workforce readiness on a nationally recognized job skills assessment in order to obtain a diploma.

Certain students are not required to take the college and career readiness assessments administered to all eleventh (11th) grade students:

Commencement exercises will include only those students who have successfully completed requirements for graduation as certified by the high school principal or those students who have been deemed eligible to participate in such exercises in accordance with the terms of their IEP. No student who has completed the requirements for graduation shall be denied a diploma as a disciplinary measure. A student may be denied participation in the ceremony of graduation when personal conduct so warrants. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements to participate in the graduation ceremony provided the affected student(s) presents compelling reasons for the waiver at a hearing before the Board prior to the graduation ceremony.

Students who have participated in interscholastic athletics, marching band, or cheerleading for at least two (2) full seasons as defined in the Mechanicsburg handbook, while enrolled in grades 9 through 12, and as documented by the Athletic Director, may be excused from the high school physical education requirement.

Students electing such an excuse shall complete one-half (1/2) unit of at least sixty (60) hours of instruction in another course of study which is designated by the

Board as meeting the high school curriculum requirements.

Credit may be earned by:

Credit may be earned at an accredited postsecondary institution.

Every high school may permit students below the ninth grade to take advanced work for credit. This work shall count toward the graduation requirements if it was both:

For students graduating in the class of 2018 and beyond:

The District will comply with State Board of Education requirements for graduation. Students shall earn required credits for graduation in the appropriate subject areas, and achieve one of three pathways:

An honors diploma shall be awarded to any student who meets the established requirements for graduation or the requirements of his/her IEP; attains the applicable scores on the tests required by the State Board of Education to graduate; and meets any additional criteria the State Board may establish.

The Board also shall grant a diploma of adult education to all District residents over the age of twenty-one (21) who meet the requirements established by the State Board of Education.

The Superintendent shall establish whatever administrative guidelines are necessary to comply with State rules and regulations.

R.C. 3313.60, 3313.6021, 3313.603, 3313.61, 3313.611, 3313.6111, 3313.614
R.C. 3313.615, 3313.618, 3313.647, 3313.903, 3323.08
R.C. 3301.07, 0710, 0711
A.C. 3301-41-01, 3301-13-01 to 07

Adopted 7/12/2010
Revised 5/8/17