Navigating the Path to Graduation: Understanding the Virginia Advanced Studies Diploma Requirements
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), through the Virginia Family Special Education Connection, aims to ensure accessible web content for all, adhering to state and national accessibility standards. This commitment extends to providing clear information regarding graduation requirements for students in Virginia. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the requirements for earning an Advanced Studies Diploma in Virginia, particularly for students entering the ninth grade for the first time in 2018-2019 and beyond.
Standard and Verified Units of Credit: The Foundation of Graduation
To graduate with an Advanced Studies Diploma, students must accumulate at least 26 standard units of credit and five verified units of credit. Standard credits are earned upon successful completion of required and elective courses. Verified credits, on the other hand, are earned by successfully completing required courses and passing associated end-of-course Standards of Learning (SOL) tests or other assessments approved by the state Board of Education.
The specific requirements are determined by the Virginia Board of Education based on the year the student enters the 9th grade for the first time. Students will meet with their school counselor each year to update their Academic and Career Plan (ACP) and diploma type. Prince William County Public Schools Regulation 662-1B, “Graduation Requirements,” emphasizes that students must fulfill all graduation requirements, including earning the necessary standard and verified credits, before participating in the graduation ceremony.
Advanced Studies Diploma: A Detailed Breakdown (for students entering 9th grade in 2018-19 and beyond)
Let's delve into the specifics of the Advanced Studies Diploma, outlining the required courses, credits, and other essential components.
Course Requirements:
- English: 4 credits, with 2 verified credits. Courses shall include English 9, 10, 11, and 12, or an advanced equivalent. Students must complete and pass the Virginia Standards of Learning assessments for Reading and Writing. Typically, these assessments occur in grade 11.
- Math: 4 credits, with 1 verified credit. Courses shall include at least three different course selections from among Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, or other mathematics courses above the level of Algebra 2. The board shall approve courses to satisfy this requirement.
- Science: 4 credits, with 1 verified credit. 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 or completion of the sequence of science courses required for the International Baccalaureate Diploma and shall include interdisciplinary courses that incorporate Standards of Learning content from multiple academic areas. The board shall approve additional courses to satisfy this requirement.
- History and Social Sciences: 4 credits, with 1 verified credit. and Virginia Government, and both World History to 1500 and World History from 1500. World Geography may be accepted as one of the required World History courses for transfer students.
- World Language: 3 or 4 credits. Students can satisfy the World Language requirement for the Advanced Diploma with either three years of one language or two years each of two languages.
- Health and Physical Education: 2 credits. Courses shall include Health and Physical Education 1 and 2. Students who participate in the JROTC program have the option of an alternate health and physical education sequence.
- Economics/Personal Finance: 1 credit (Virtual course component included). Students will meet the virtual course graduation requirement after taking and passing this course or an approved equivalent course in Prince William County Public Schools.
- Electives: 3 or 4 credits. Students can satisfy the sequential elective requirement with any two of the three required elective credits that demonstrate a progression in the study of a specific field (not two introductory courses) from any discipline. The two sequential electives may be in any discipline as long as the courses are not specifically required for graduation in 8VAC20-131-51 of the standards. Students may take the focused sequence of elective courses in consecutive years or any two years of high school. Students can satisfy the World Language requirement for the Advanced Diploma with either three years of one language or two years each of two languages. If using World Language courses to meet both the sequential elective requirement and the World Language graduation requirement for an Advanced Studies diploma, students would need a total of five credits in World Language; either five credits of the same language, or (if taking two different languages) two credits of one language and three credits of another language.
Other Requirements:
- First Aid, CPR, and AED Training: Students will meet the First Aid, CPR, and AED Training requirement while enrolled in Health and Physical Education 1 in Prince William County Public Schools. All students must receive training in first aid, CPR, and AED, including hands-on practice of the skills necessary to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- CTE Credentialing Exam or Advanced Course or Work-Based Learning: Students shall (i) complete an Advanced Placement, honors, International Baccalaureate, or dual enrollment course; or (ii) complete a high-quality work-based learning experience, as established by Board guidance on work-based learning; or (iii) earn a career and technical education credential approved by the board, except when a career and technical education credential in a particular subject area is not readily available or appropriate or does not adequately measure student competency, in which case the student shall receive satisfactory competency-based instruction in the subject area to satisfy the advanced studies diploma requirements. Students must take and pass a Career and Technical Education credentialing exam that has been approved by the Virginia Board of Education or take one advanced course during their high school career. An advanced course can be defined as any AP/Advanced, IB/Pre-IB, AICE/IGSCE course, or dual enrollment or participate in a High-Quality Work-Based Learning experience as defined by the Virginia Department of Education.
- Online Course Requirement: All students must complete one online course prior to graduation.
Standard Diploma: An Alternative Path
For students entering 9th grade in 2018-19 and beyond, an alternative to the Advanced Studies Diploma is the Standard Diploma, which requires 22 standard credits and 5 verified credits.
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Course Requirements:
- English: 4 credits, with 2 verified credits. Courses shall include English 9, 10, 11, and 12, or an advanced equivalent.
- Math: 3 credits, with 1 verified credit. Courses shall include at least two different course selections from among Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra Functions and Data Analysis, Algebra 2, or other mathematics courses approved by the board to satisfy this requirement.
- Science: 3 credits, with 1 verified credit.
- History and Social Sciences: 3 credits, with 1 verified credit. and Virginia Government, and one of the following: World History to 1500 and World History from 1500.
- Health and Physical Education: 2 credits. Courses shall include Health and Physical Education 1 and 2. Students who participate in the JROTC program have the option of an alternate health and physical education sequence.
- Economics/Personal Finance: 1 credit (Virtual course component included).
- Electives: 6 credits. Students can satisfy the sequential elective requirement with any two credits that demonstrate a progression in the study of a specific field (not two introductory courses) from any discipline. The two sequential electives may be in any discipline as long as the courses are not specifically required for graduation in 8VAC20-131-51 of the standards. Students may take the focused sequence of elective courses in consecutive years or any two years of high school. In addition to the two required sequential elective credits, students will need to satisfy the CTE/Visual and Performing Arts/World Language requirement by taking any of the following combinations: One CTE credit and one Visual and Performing Arts credit. One CTE credit and one World Language credit. One Visual and Performing Arts credit and one World Language credit. Two CTE credits. Two Visual and Performing Arts credits.
Other Requirements:
- First Aid, CPR, and AED Training: Students will meet the First Aid, CPR, and AED Training requirement while enrolled in Health and Physical Education 1 in Prince William County Public Schools. All students must receive training in first aid, CPR, and AED.
- CTE Credentialing Exam or Advanced Course or Work-Based Learning: Students must take and pass a Career and Technical Education credentialing exam that has been approved by the Virginia Board of Education or take one advanced course during their high school career. An advanced course can be defined as any AP/Advanced, IB/Pre-IB, AICE/IGSCE course, or dual enrollment or Participate in a High-Quality Work-Based Learning experience as defined by the Virginia Department of Education.
- Online Course Requirement: All students must complete one online course prior to graduation.
Considerations for Students with IEPs or 504 Plans
Students with disabilities who have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 plan are encouraged to pursue either the Advanced Studies or Standard Diploma. The IEP or 504 team collaborates with students and their families to determine the most suitable individual path to graduation.
Credit Accommodations
Credit accommodations offer alternatives for students with disabilities in earning the standard and verified credits required for graduation with either diploma. The IEP team or 504 plan committee determines and documents these accommodations, including the student where appropriate, at any point after the student's eighth-grade year. Eligibility requirements include:
- A current IEP or 504 plan with standards-based content goals.
- A disability that hinders achievement and progress commensurate with grade-level expectations, while still learning grade-level content.
- The need for significant instructional supports to access grade-level Standards of Learning (SOL) content and demonstrate progress.
- Based on multiple objective measures of past performance, the student might not be expected to achieve the required standard and verified units of credit within the standard time frame.
There is one credit accommodation available for the advanced studies diploma: § 22.1-253.13:4. Permit a student who is pursuing an Advanced Studies Diploma and whose individualized education program specifies a credit accommodation for world language to substitute two standard units of credit in computer science for two standard units of credit in a world language.
Applied Studies Diploma
The Applied Studies Diploma is an option for students with disabilities who complete the requirements of their Individualized Education Program (IEP) but do not meet the requirements for other diplomas.
Transition Services
Transition services are crucial for students with IEPs to ensure successful postsecondary outcomes. Planning activities may begin as early as elementary school, with students exploring their interests in middle school. High school transition planning includes exploring postsecondary opportunities and employment options, and may include connecting with adult service agencies. Beginning no later than the first IEP developed when the eligible student is 14, the Team considers the student's need for transition services and documents this discussion. If appropriate, the IEP includes a statement of needed transition services, which must be reviewed and updated annually. Students must be invited to all meetings and allowed to participate actively when transition planning is discussed and are encouraged to actively participate. Beginning no later than the first IEP developed when the eligible student is 14, the IEPs of students should include a post school vision statement as well as identify the transition services necessary to support the vision. IDEA defines transition services as a coordinated set of activities for a student with a disability that: Is designed to be within a results-oriented process, that is focused on improving the academic and functional achievement of the student with a disability to facilitate the student's movement from school to post-school activities, including postsecondary education, vocational education, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation; Is based on individual strengths, preferences and interest; and Includes instruction, related services, community experiences, the development of employment and other post-school adult living objectives, and when appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and functional vocational evaluation. (P.L. 108-446, Sec 603 (34))
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Transfer Students: Navigating Graduation Requirements
Students transferring to Prince William County Public Schools from a public school system within Virginia must meet all graduation requirements set forth by the Virginia Department of Education. Students transferring from private or out-of-state schools will work with their school counselor to create an individualized graduation plan.
Students who enroll during the school year after the first 20 hours of instruction will be required to meet the following verified unit of credit requirements for graduation:
Students entering 9th grade for the first time during 2018-19 and beyond, Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma.
- Year Entering
- Understand, interpret, and analyze written material.
- Carry out oral and written directions or obtain clarification when necessary.
- Express ideas both orally and in writing, using appropriate vocabulary and proper grammar.
- Locate and obtain needed information from common reference materials, computerized databases, maps and diagrams, and resource people.
- Apply basic computation skills.
- Use problem-solving strategies in the work environment.
Board of Education Seal: Awarded to students who complete the requirements for a Standard Diploma or Advanced Studies Diploma with an average grade of "A".
Career and Technical Education Seal: The Board of Education's Career & Technical Education Seal is awarded to students who: Earn a Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma and complete a prescribed sequence of courses in a career and technical education concentration or specialization that they choose and maintain a "B" or better average in those courses or pass an examination or an occupational competency assessment in a career and technical education concentration or specialization that confers certification or occupational competency credential from a recognized industry, trade or professional association or acquire a professional license in that career and technical education field from the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Board of Education shall ap…
Board of Education’s Seal for Excellence in Civics Education: The Board of Education’s Seal for Excellence in Civics Education shall be awarded to students who earn either a Standard Diploma or an Advanced Studies Diploma and (i) complete Virginia and United States History and Virginia and the United States government courses with a grade of "B" or higher; (ii) have good attendance and no disciplinary infractions as determined by local school board policies; and (iii) complete 50 hours of voluntary participation in community service or extracurricular activities. Activities that satisfy the requirements of clause (iii) of this subdivision include (a) volunteering for a charitable or religious organization that provides services to the poor, sick, or less fortunate; (b) participating in Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, or similar youth organizations; (c) participating in JROTC; (d) participating in political campaigns or government internships, or Boys State, Girls State, or Model General Assembly; or (e) participating in school-sponsored extracurricular activities that have a civics focus.
The Board of Education’s Seal for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM): The Board of Education’s Seal for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) shall be awarded to students who earn either a Standard Diploma or an Advanced Studies Diploma and (i) satisfy all Math and Science requirements for the Advanced Studies Diploma with a “B” average or better in all course work; and (ii) successfully complete a 50 hour or more work-based learning opportunity in a STEM area; and (iii) satisfy all requirements for a Career and Technical Education concentration.
Board of Education’s Seal of Biliteracy: The Board of Education’s Seal of Biliteracy shall be awarded to students who earn a Board of Education approved diploma and: (i) pass all required End of Course Assessments in English reading and writing at the proficient or higher level; and (ii) are proficient at the intermediate mid-level or higher in one or more languages other than English, as demonstrated through an assessment from a list to be approved by the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
- Students who successfully earn the required number of standard credits but not the required number of “verified” credits are eligible to receive a Certificate of Completion. Students who receive the Certificate of Completion are not eligible for diploma seals.
- Students who are at least 16 years of age may request to enroll in an Individualized Alternative Education Program (ISAEP) that leads to the opportunity to earn a high school equivalency (HSE) credential. Currently, the GED® test is the only approved HSE examination in Virginia.
Verified Credits Required Beginning of or during 9th grade Student must obtain all five required verified units of credit Beginning of or during 10th grade Student must obtain all five required verified units of credit Beginning of 11th grade Student must obtain all five required verified units of credit During 11th grade Student must obtain two verified units (One in English, One student selected. One must be earned in mathematics if participation in mathematics testing is required by federal law.)Beginning of 12th grade | Student must obtain two verified units (One in English, One student selected. One must be earned in mathematics if participation in mathematics testing is required by federal law.) During 12th grade Student may apply for a waiver of verified units with the Virginia Board of Education. Students transferring with weighted credits from other school districts will have those credits assessed and aligned with similar courses in PWCS. Students may also be granted additional flexibility in meeting some of the course requirements for graduation as outlined in the Virginia Standards of Accreditation. Any student or parent with questions about graduation requirements for transfer students should consult with their assigned school counselor. Students whose parents are active duty military may receive additional flexibility as outlined in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. Information for transfer students is available in each school counseling office. Diploma Warranty: Ensuring Competency
Prince William County Public Schools provides a two-year warranty for diploma recipients, guaranteeing minimum competencies in mathematics, reading, and writing. Graduates should be able to:
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Graduates identified by employers as lacking these competencies may be retrained through Prince William County Public Schools' Evening School program at no expense to the graduate.
Diploma Seals: Recognizing Exemplary Performance
Students who meet specific requirements for graduation and demonstrate exemplary performance may receive diploma seals for recognition. Section 8VAC20-131-51 of the Standards of Accreditation establishes the requirements for diploma seals. The Virginia Department of Education provides the following seals to local school divisions.
Additional Considerations
Staying on Track: A Collaborative Effort
High school graduation marks a significant milestone. Parents/guardians are encouraged to actively monitor their student's progress, tracking standard and verified credits earned from the ninth grade onwards. Regular communication with the school counselor is vital to ensure students remain on track to meet their graduation requirements.
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