Page 4 - Board Approved RRHS-POS-board submission

Standard Diploma Graduation Requirements

Number of Credits Required Graduation Testing Requirements
Standard Diploma Graduation Requirements *
for Graduation Students must demonstrate proficiency on
graduation assessments in Reading, Math,
English 9, 10, 11, 12 4 Science, Social Studies, and Writing in order to
(English 12 must include a senior thesis) obtain a diploma. The NM Standards Based
Assessment / High School Graduation Assessment
Social Studies is the primary means of demonstrating competency
0.5 New Mexico History, 1.0 World History, 1.0 US History, 0.5 Government, 0.5 Economics, 4 in Reading, Math, and Science. Students
0.5 World Geography
demonstrate competency in Social studies and
Writing through state and/or district approved End
Math Algebra II or above is required to graduate. 4 of Course assessments. Alternate methods of
demonstrating competency are also available. The
requirements and options available vary by cohort
Science – Credits must include 2 of the following courses (from 2 of the 3 different disciplines): year. Comprehensive information regarding the
Biology, Chemistry / Chemistry in the Community, or Physics 4
state requirements are located at:
http://www.ped.state.nm.us/AssessmentAccountabi
Physical Education 1 lity/AssessmentEvaluation/2013/Graduation
Checklist.Final.11.16.13.pdf.
Health A 1/2 credit of Health is required beginning with the class of 2017 0.5
** Two world language credits are recommended
Fine Arts 0.5
for college admission. Two world language
Technology 0.5 credits (in the same language) are required for
admission to most four-year colleges and
World Languages** or Career Cluster or Workplace Readiness 1 universities, including UNM. Students must
complete 1 credit in one of these areas as a
Electives 6.5 requirement for graduation: World
Language, Career Cluster or Workplace
Total Credits Required to Graduate / out of Total Possible 26**** / 28 Readiness.

*** Students must earn one credit of the following as a graduation requirement: AP (Advanced Placement) course credit or a dual enrollment course credit or a distance-learning course credit.
AP Course Credit – AP classes prepare a student to qualify for college. Students are encouraged to take an AP examination in the spring. Each test costs approximately $91. Some students may qualify for a reduced fee.
Many colleges award credit for courses based on AP examination scores.
Dual Enrollment Course Credit – 1-2 college credit hours = 0.5 RRHS elective credit. 3-4 college credit hours = 1.0 RRHS elective credit
RRHS has dual enrollment agreements with Central New Mexico Community College (CNM), UNM, UNM West, and Southwest Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI) that allow students to enroll in college courses with a
tuition waiver. Students earn high school elective credit by passing the college course. Students may not use a dual enrollment course to meet a RRHS graduation requirement other than for elective credit.
Distance Learning Credit – Students must request prior approval from their counselor for distance learning course credit and must complete a “Course Agreement” form signed by the student, parent and counselor.
Students must have a full schedule to take a distance learning course. On-line courses are available at the SLC (Secondary Learning Center), at the Rio Rancho Cyber Academy, and through Central New Mexico
Community College (CNM). Distance learning course credits must be earned from schools accredited by the North Central Association. RRHS will not accept correspondence credit for physical education or lab science
courses. Rio Rancho High School must receive an official transcript for the course to meet graduation credit requirements.
Academic Focus – All students are required to be enrolled in a minimum of four courses per semester that include English, Social Studies, Math, and Science. This requirement is independent of whether or not the student
has earned the necessary credits needed for graduation. All students must be enrolled in these four core classes every semester they are in attendance at RRHS. Late arrival is not permitted.
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