Total Credits: 44
The remainder of the 44 credits may be earned by completing elective courses in the above subject areas. Courses using languages other than English as the medium of instruction may be substituted to fulfill specific subject area requirements.
Grade Point Average
A grade point average of 2.0 or higher is required of all graduates. The grade point average is computed on the basis of A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0. Although not a part of graduation requirements, a grade point average of 2.5 is required for participation in co-curricular activities, including interscholastic athletics.
English Language Arts: 8 credits
English credit will not be granted for AGP Reading Development, drama, public speaking or journalism. English as a Second Language (ESL) may be used to fulfill the 8 semester English requirement.
Literacy: Reading Level At Grade Level
Students scoring below grade level (more than 1 but less than 3 grade levels) or significantly below grade level (3 or more grade levels) on the Stanford Diagnostic Reading Test are required to take additional literacy for which elective credits are earned.
Fine Arts & Practical Arts: 3 credits
Three credits must be distributed:
A: 2 semesters of a World Language + 1 semester of Fine or Practical Art
B: 2 semesters of Visual and/or Performing Arts + 1 semester of Practical Arts
Visual and Performing Arts courses include Art, music, drama, and speech.
Practical Arts courses include Business Education, Family and Consumer Sciences, Industrial Technology Education, Regional Occupational Programs (ROP), Journalism, and Yearbook.
Mathematics: 6 credits
Class of 2004 and beyond: 6 credits must be earned in Algebra or Algebra Explorations, Geometry, Intermediate Algebra (Algebra 2), and any other higher level math classes.
Physical Education: 4 credits
(Grades 9 to 12)
Students must be enrolled in physical education in grade 9. Physical education credit may be granted for JROTC, Cheerleading, Auxiliary, Athletics, and Marching Band.
Science: 4 credits
Class of 2006 and beyond: Biology1,2, Chemistry 1,2, AND Physics 1,2
Social Studies: 6 credits
Grades 9 or 10: World History and Geography 1,2
Grade 11: US History 1,2
Grade 12:
- Government 1 + Economics 1 -or-
- AP Government 1,2 -or-
- Political Science 150 (meets the American Government Requirement, but does not
count towards required units for high school graduation. Student earns college
credits at Morse High School.
Computer Literacy 1 credit
Students must demonstrate Computer Literacy competency through a computer education course or an approved course that incorporates computer education and computer applications OR test out.
Electives (13 credits)
Additional credits needed to complete the required 44 semester credits may be earned by completing additional courses provided by Morse High School.
Certificate Of Initial Mastery (CIM), Senior Portfolio and Exhibition
Flexibility is needed assessment. Although standard assessment will continue to be used to insure the integrity of the core subjects, the Certificate Of Initial Mastery will require students to do what they actually know and can do. Additionally, portfolios describing and depicting student accomplishments are now required of all seniors in order to graduate. Projects applying knowledge gained in the classroom to specific use will be demonstrated by seniors in their Senior exhibit, also required for graduation.
High School Exit Exam
A High School Exit Exam is required for high school graduation beginning with the Class of 2005. Tenth-grade students must take the exam beginning in 2002-2003. Class of 2005 students must meet the minimum levels of performance on all portions of the test in Language Arts and Mathematics.
