521 Policy: Graduation Requirements

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to set forth requirements for graduation from Richfield Public Schools.

II. GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY

It is the policy of Richfield Public Schools that all students must satisfactorily complete all course credit requirements and graduation standards, as established by the school board in order to graduate.

III. TEMPORARY CHANGE TO GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

This change has been established due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated disruptions to schooling caused by legally required transitions to distance learning and hybrid learning models. The COVID-19 pandemic and associated disruptions to schooling have created an environment that may be less conducive to educational success for students, such that graduation requirements that are significantly above and beyond those established by the Minnesota Department of Education may no longer be appropriate at this time.

Beginning with graduation year 2021 and ending with graduation year 2024, students will be required to complete only 11 semesters of elective credits and a total of only 44 credits to graduate. This temporarily supersedes the required number of electives and total credits listed in section IV. All other graduation requirements will still apply.   

IV. CREDIT COURSE REQUIREMENTS

A. Richfield Senior High School students must currently earn a minimum of forty-nine (49) semester credits in order to be eligible for graduation. 

Students may earn more than the minimum number of credits if they desire.  

B. To be eligible for graduation from Richfield Senior High School, each student must successfully complete the following requirements:

Credit Requirements include achievement of required Minnesota Academic Standards:

• 8 credits of English
• 6 credits of Mathematics – This requirement includes Intermediate Algebra, Geometry and Advanced Algebra or higher.
• 6 credits of science – This requirement includes 2 credits of Biology and 2 credits of Chemistry or Physics.
• 8 credits of Social Studies – This requirement includes Human Geography, World History, U.S. History and Economics / Government.
• 2 credits in the Fine Arts
• 2 credits of Physical Education
• 1 credit of Health
• 16 elective course credits. Elective credits are all classes that are not specifically required for Richfield graduation.

V. SERVICE REQUIREMENT

All senior students will be required to perform a minimum of fifteen (15) hours of youth service between the end of their junior year and the end of their senior year.

VI. STATE AND LOCAL ACADEMIC STANDARDS

Graduates must successfully complete required Minnesota Academic Standards for Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies and Arts.

Graduation requirements for special education students, students with 504 Plans and limited English proficiency will comply with Minnesota Statute §125A.03.

VII. OTHER PROVISIONS

A. The school district will notify students and their parents of the school district’s graduation requirements within 30 working days of a student’s entry into ninth grade. 

Consistent with the mission and belief statements adopted by the Board of Education and to the extent permitted by law, flexibility will be provided as to the designation of courses which meet requirements.  It is also intended that students have some choice as to when requirements are met.

B. If a student desires early graduation, he/she must submit a plan in writing to his/her counselor prior to the start of the senior year.  This written plan must have the endorsement of the student's parents or guardian and the approval of the high school administration.  Students who have graduated early will not be eligible to participate in identified co-curricular activities but are encouraged to take part in graduation ceremonies and events.

1. All course or standards and credit requirements must be met;

2. Principal or designee shall conduct an interview with the student and parent or guardian to familiarize the parties with opportunities available in post secondary education and arrive at a timely decision; and

3. The principal’s decision shall be in writing and may be subject to review by the superintendent and school board.

C. A uniform diploma will be awarded to all graduates. Special commendations may be awarded to individual graduates.

D. This policy will be subject to review due to changing rules and requirements from the State of Minnesota as well as other emerging needs and priorities.

 

Cross References:       Admin. Guidelines 521.1 Guidelines for Graduation of Special Education Students

                                          Admin. Guidelines 521.2 Guidelines for Youth Service Requirements

                                          Board Policy 524   Promotion, Retention and Acceleration

                                          Board Policy 601  Academic Standards and Instructional Curriculum

 

Legal References:        Minnesota Statute 125.04 High school diploma, pupils with disabilities

                                          Minnesota Statute 120B.024 Graduation Requirements Course Credits

                                          Minn. Stat. 120B.07 (Early Graduation)

                                          Minn. Stat. §125A.03 (Special Instruction for Children with a Disability)

                                         

 

RATIFIED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION: March 1, 1982

REAFFIRMED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION: August 6, 1990, May 4, 2009

REVISED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION: July 21, 1986; May 21, 1990; June 20, 1994; April 15, 1996;

June 1, 1998; January 22, 2001; August 4, 2003; January 5, 2004; October 1, 2007; August 15, 2011;

July 15, 2014; December 19, 2016; May 1, 2017; April 19, 2021; December 6, 2021