Graduation Requirements
STATE DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS
The Tennessee Department of Education has raised standards and aligned graduation requirements to best prepare students for college and the workforce.
Following the implementation of theTennessee Diploma Project in 2009, high school students must complete 22 credits tograduate. They also will be tested in core subject areas with End of Course exams, part of the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program, or TCAP. Their performance on these exams will factor into their semester grade for the course.
To receive a regular high school diploma, all students enrolled in a Tennessee public school during their eleventh (11th) grade year must take either the ACT or SAT.
Credit Requirements
Total Credits: 22
- Math: 4 credits - Including Algebra I, II, Geometry and a fourth higher level math course
- English: 4 credits
- Science: 3 credits - Including Biology, Chemistry or Physics, and a third lab course
- Social Studies: 3 credits - including U.S. History and Geography, World History and Geography, U.S. Government and Civics, and Economics
- Physical Education and Wellness: 1.5 credits
- Personal Finance: 0.5 credits
- Foreign Language: 2 credits
- Fine Arts: 1 credit - May be waived for students not going to a University to expand and enhance the elective focus
- Elective Focus: 3 credits - Math and Science, Career and Technical Education, Fine Arts, Humanities, Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB)
Morgan County School Board Requirements
The program of studies will conform to the SBE regulations and be flexible in order to provide for effective student adjustment.
Before graduation, every student shall achieve the specified units of credit, take the end of course exams, have satisfactory records of attendance and conduct and take the series of tests administered at the 8th, 10, and 11th grades.
Prior to graduation, each student should complete a capstone experience such as a senior project, internship, or work-based learning.
(For students who entered the 9th grade prior to 2009-10, the requirements are different: Before graduation, students must achieve the specified units of credit, pass the required competency tests or make passing scores on the required Gateway tests (English II, Algebra I, and Biology and, also, have the opportunity to take an exit exam such as the ACT, SAT, or WorkKeys.
Special Education students who successfully complete their Individualized Educational Program(IEP) and pass the required competency test or Gateway test will be awarded a regular diploma. If the minimum score on the competency or Gateway test is not attained, the student will receive a special education diploma.
Students who have completed all graduation requirements will be awarded a regular diploma. Students who complete all graduation requirements but who have not passed the proficiency test will be awarded a certificate of attendance.)
Special Education
A regular diploma will be awarded to students who earn the 22 specified units of credit and have a satisfactory record of attendance and conduct.
A transition certificate may be awarded to students with disabilities have worked toward meeting the Board requirements. With the transition certificate, students may continue to work towards a regular diploma until the year in which they turn twenty-two years old.
An IEP certificate is awarded to students with disabilities who have completed their IEP, completed a portfolio, and have satisfactory attendance and conduct.
Student Load
Students in grades 9-12 must be enrolled each semester in subjects that will allow them to graduate within four years.