Beginning with the class of 2008

All Washington graduates must fulfill the following four requirements:

 

Earn a Certificate of Academic Achievement -

Students must meet standard on the 10th-grade Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) in reading, writing and math or math equivalent.

Complete a culminating project -

This integrated learning project helps students understand the connection between school and the real world by studying a topic they like and presenting their findings to teachers, community members and other students.

Meet class credit requirements -

Students must earn 22 credits - 3.0 English, 2.0 math, 2.0 science (including one lab), 3.0 social studies, 2.0 health and fitness, 1.0 visual or performing arts, 1.0 occupational education and electives to equal 22 total.

Complete a High School and Beyond Plan in Advisory -

Students must detail their plan for meeting the high school graduation requirements and what they expect to do the year after graduation.



GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS OVERVIEW & FAQS

 

Introduction

The purpose of this document is to assist students, staff, parents, community members, and others involved in students’ lives to understand what is expected prior to graduation in the Olympia School District. Washington state graduation requirements have recently changed and, as a result, so will those for students in Olympia.

1. What is Advisory?

The Advisory program encompasses the overall district effort to strategically organize the elements needed to meet the new state graduation requirements. Evidence of each student’s progress will be collected throughout the 4-year high-school experience and become a part of the High School and Beyond Plan.

2. The Goal of Advisory:

By connecting interests, abilities, and academic preparation to their continuing educational and career plans, Olympia School District students will assume responsibility as contributing members of a democratic society.

3. What guides the work of Advisory?

 

Our work is guided not only by the above statement, but also by our commitment to assure our students meet the four Washington State Learning Goals:

Goal 1: Read, write, and communicate effectively
Goal 2: Know and apply core concepts
Goal 3: Demonstrate creative thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving skills
Goal 4: Understand the importance of work


4. What are the new Washington state graduation requirements (in addition to current credit requirements)?

• Completion of 22 credits (see Question #5)
• Completion of a Culminating Project
• Written High School and Beyond Plan
• Certificate of Academic Achievement – based on current Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL)

5. What are the current minimum credit requirements for students in the Olympia School District and Washington State?

Subjects

English 3.0

Mathematics 2.0

Social Studies 3.0 plus Washington State History

Science 2.0

Occupational Education 1.0

Health and Fitness 2 .0

Arts 1 .0

Electives

TOTAL MINIMUM 22 credits

6. How will graduation requirements be fulfilled in Olympia?

• Culminating Project

The current Olympia High School Culminating Project is an integrated learning project that helps students understand the connection between school and the real world by studying a topic they like and presenting their findings to teachers, community members and other students. Additional details about the current project requirements can be found on the OHS website at olympia.osd.wednet.edu under the Graduation Requirements link.

• High School and Beyond Plan

These plans will be part of the Advisory program and will be updated annually or as needed. Students will have the opportunity to identify areas of interest and explore different post-high school options. Beginning with the Class of 2012, post-high school plans will be discussed annually with parents during student-led conferences in the spring.

• Certificate of Academic Achievement (CAA)

This certificate will be earned based upon performance on the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL).
For the Classes of 2008-2012, the CAA includes passing the Reading and Writing portions of the WASL. In addition, students will be asked to demonstrate or continue developing math proficiency by doing one of the following:


1. Meet standard on math WASL.

2. Take two math classes and pass math classes and take the Math WASL each year until either the math WASL standard is met or the student graduates.


3. Pass another standardized test (see Question #7).

7. What are the alternatives to passing the Certificate of Academic Achievement (state-approved alternatives to the WASL)?

Students who have the skills but are unable to pass the WASL may use the Certificate of Academic Achievement Options. Students may access the options after taking the WASL once.
The Certificate of Academic Achievement Options are:
• Collection of Evidence – Students compile a set of classroom work samples with the help of a teacher(s). Collections for students in Career and Technical Education programs can include work from their program and other classes. The state scores collections two times a year.
Pass a standardized test (SAT, ACT, AP)
• Fee Waivers are available for eligible students to take the approved SAT, ACT and AP assessments.
• SAT or ACT – Students may use their math, reading or English and writing scores on college readiness tests.
+ Minimum math scores: SAT – 470; and ACT – 19.
+ Minimum SAT and ACT reading and writing scores: State Board of Education to determine .

• PSAT – No longer an option
• Advanced Placement (AP) – Students may use a score of three or higher on select AP exams.
+ Math: Calculus or Statistics
+ Writing: English Language and Composition
+ Reading: English Literature and Composition, Macro/Microeconomics, Psychology, United States History, World History, United States Government and Politics, or Comparative Government and Politics
• Grades Comparison – A student’s grades in math courses and/or English courses are compared with the grades of students who took the same courses AND passed the WASL. This option is available to students in 12th-grade. To access this option, a student must have an overall cumulative Grade Point Average of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 grading scale.


8. How will students be supported as they complete the additional requirements?

Part of the purpose of Advisory is to provide students with another adult mentor here at school. Advisory Teachers will occasionally, as part of the lesson plan, “check in” with students on their academic progress. The student-led conferences (SLC) each spring are also an important component of the effort to support students. Each SLC will provide encouragement and support for students as they share accomplishments, interests, challenges and goals with their Bear Tracks Teacher and parents or other adult mentor.

Other support structures are in place to ensure students have every opportunity to be successful in completing these requirements, including the availability of optional weekly tutoring. There is also an Intervention Specialist on campus, Jill Nelson, who is working with those students who have not yet passed the WASL.

9. How will students benefit from these new requirements?

The Advisory High School and Beyond plan and yearly student-led conferences will help students to:
• Set academic and/or personal goals.
• Make plans for the future, both in and out of high school.
• Focus on their education and life plans.
• Identify their own areas of strength and interest.
• Self-reflect on their work.
• Document and connect learning experiences.
• Connect planning in high school to coursework and selected activities and experiences.
• Lead conferences with parents regarding strengths, areas of opportunity,
and plans.
• Use elements of the portfolio outside of school for further education and employment opportunities.
• Seek out and effectively communicate with adults outside the home and/or school system.