PURPOSE: This rule establishes minimum graduation requirements for public school districts.

1. (1) High School Graduation Requirements. Effective for the graduating class of 2010 and thereafter, the state minimum high school graduation requirements comprise twentyfour (24) units of credit that must be earned between grades nine (9) and twelve (12). The requirements are stated in terms of the number of units of credit that must be earned in each subject area:

   Subject Area Units of Credit Communication Arts Social Studies Mathematics Science Fine Art Practical Arts Physical Education Health Education Personal Finance Electives Total Credits

*The .5 unit of credit of Personal Finance may be earned in social studies, practical arts or as an elective. If earned in social studies or practical arts, the required units of credit in that area are reduced by .5 (i.e. social studies from 3.0 to 2.5) and the elective total is increased to 7.5.

1. (2) The minimum high school graduation requirements should focus on competencies and align with the Missouri Show-Me Standards and grade-level expectations. Missouri Show-Me Standards and grade-level expectations are located on the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) website.
2. (3) Course Requirements. In order to earn one standard unit of high school credit, a student must earn a passing grade in that course. A standard unit of credit is defined by a course that meets for seven thousand eight hundred thirty (7,830) minutes during a 4.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 .5 .5* 7.0 24.0 5 CSR 50-345

school year. Halfand quarter-units of credit may be earned for courses meeting proportionately fewer minutes. However, if a student demonstrates mastery of the required competencies of a course, the district may grant credit through an alternative method with prior approval by DESE. Alternative time schedules may be approved if requested by the district.

1. (4) Local Board Policies. Local boards of education must adopt and disseminate written policies concerning graduation. The policies must clearly set forth all requirements and all allowable variations. Local graduation policies must include at least the state minimum requirements and may exceed the state minimums by requiring more total units of credit, requiring more units within a particular subject, or establishing additional requirements.
2. (5) Accommodation of Students with Disabilities. Local school boards must establish policies and guidelines that ensure students with disabilities have the opportunity to earn credits toward graduation in a nondiscriminatory environment.
3. (6) Variances and Substitutions. The state minimum graduation requirements cannot be applied with absolute uniformity in every case. Students’ individual situations sometimes require consideration of variances and alternatives. If a local board chooses to allow these variances and alternatives, it must do so through officially adopted policies and through procedures that will ensure fair and consistent application of its policies.

AUTHORITY: section 161.092, RSMo Supp. 2004.* Original rule filed June 30, 2005, effective Jan. 30, 2006. *Original authority: 161.092, RSMo 1963, amended 1973, 2002, 2003.