Schools
High School Graduation Requirements
CDE reports record high graduation rates after lowering graduation requirements from passage with a "C" to passage with a "D"
"This is encouraging news any way you look at it, especially since the increase is occurring as we are introducing much more rigorous academic standards"
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The Statement by Superintendent Torakson is mis-leading for 2 reasons:
1) When the State of California adopted Common Core and tried to implement more rigorous standards the reality was that 22,000 LAUSD students were at risk of not graduating. The solution was to lower the graduation requirements from passage with a C to passage with a D.
see: As 22,000 students risk not graduating, LAUSD board eases requirements
"The board also agreed to expand high school services for students who need to remain in classes until age 22 to graduate."
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So as academic standards were lowered from passing with a "C" to passage with a "D", graduation rates magically improved for LAUSD because the now you only need a 1.0 to graduate not a 1.75.
Like LAUSD, CUSD allows students to pass with "D".
Saddleback Valley requires students to pass with a "C".
Capistrano Unified School District Graduation Rates are declining even with passage with a "D".
Saddleback Valley School District Graduation Rates: Passage with a C
In CUSD's Bond Marketing Poster it claims:
"Committed to excellence", CUSD is bragging about "Graduation rates above 97%" an intentionally mis-leading statement given the facts.
2) California is not really introducing more rigorous academic standards.
State of California has not been transparent with the public in regards to California's academic standards.
The old California State Standard required 2 years of Math, and the passage of Algebra I with a "C" to graduate.
In January 2010, The State of California adopted the Common Core State Standards which required 3 years of math, and the passage of Algebra II with a C to graduate.
On March 7, 2012 the State of California approved a new standard called the "California" Common Core State Standards" which went back to 2 years of math, passage of Algebra 1 to graduate. It also lowered the grade required to graduate from a C to a D.
California has quietly backed away from the Common Core State Standards that it adopted in 2010 because so many students would have failed to graduate under the harder standards.
For Full Documentation of the changes in the Standards see: Count 13 People for Student Rights
Voice your opinion at tonights Board of Trustee Meeting
SECOND READING – REVISIONS TO BOARD POLICY 6146.1 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:
Following three Special Board Study Sessions, held over the course of the 2015-2016 school year, regarding the District’s High School Graduation Requirements, the following suggested revisions to Board Policy 6146.1 have been made: the Mathematics requirement has been increased from 20 credits to 30 credits to begin DISCUSSION/ ACTION Page 9 EXHIBIT 2 with the Class of 2020; the removal of the Reading Skills Development Class, as this class is no longer offered; the addition of College and Career Planning (CCP) and Health flexibility options where the language outlines how students may take both courses over the summer through various District approved providers and/or accredited institutions; and the removal of the California High School Exit Exam which in no longer required or offered. Changes are underlined; deletions are struck through. For 2016-2017 planning purposes, a decision is needed regarding the proposed increase in the mathematics requirements as well as a decision on the College and Career Planning course waiver. The remaining changes to the policy and conversation regarding overall goals and philosophy can be finalized at the June 8, 2016 Board Meeting. There is no financial impact. CUSD WIG 1: Teaching and Learning – Engage students in meaningful, challenging, and innovative educational experiences to increase post-secondary options for all students. Contact: Susan Holliday, Assistant Superintendent, Education Services
May 18, 2016 BOT Meeting 6:00 pm