NEPN/NSBA Code: IKF
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Overview
In response to Maine LD 1627 and the current research indicating best education practices, MSAD #60 has adopted a standards and proficiency-based curriculum, instruction, and assessment system. Noble High School graduates, in order to be college-ready and career-ready, will need to demonstrate what they know, what they can do, and how well they can do it. A Noble High School standards and proficiency-based diploma provides evidence that our graduates have acquired the knowledge and skills to move on to postsecondary experiences. The proficiency-based diploma system also guides the implementation of interventions, supports, and flexible learning pathways for students.
Communicating Graduation Requirements
The superintendent, through the high school principal or other designee, shall be responsible for communicating accurate information concerning diploma requirements to incoming students and their parents prior to the start of their ninth grade school year. An overview of graduation requirements also will be reviewed with all incoming ninth grade students at the time of course selection. This policy will also be referenced in each edition of the high school student handbook and on the school district website.
The Board has approved the following schedule of requirements for graduation, which includes minimum requirements specified by the State of Maine. The Board is aware that current law and regulations are subject to change.
The Board expects the superintendent/designee to inform students and parents as soon as practical of any additional standards established by the State that must be met before students may be awarded a high school diploma.
Academic Requirements for Graduation from Noble High School
A. Commencing with the Class of 2020, every Noble High School student will demonstrate proficiency in the skills and knowledge described by the Common Core State Standards and Maine Learning Results for the following content areas:
English Language Arts
Mathematics
Science and Technology
Social Studies
Health Education and Physical Education
Visual and Performing Arts
Career and Education Development
World Language
Students’ demonstration of proficiency in the above content areas will accumulate the following credits:
English - 5 credits
Math - 4 credits* ( Students must successfully complete Common Core 11 and be enrolled in a math course all four years)
Science - 4 credits
Social Studies - 3 credits
Health - ½ credit
Physical Education - 1 credit
Fine Arts - 1 credit
World Language- ½ credit
Electives - 4 credits
Total - 24 credits *(or 23 ½ credits)
B. All graduating students must meet the cross content performance standards set forth by the Maine Learning Results’ “Guiding Principles.” These Guiding Principles are expressed in our Academic (A), Social (S), and Civic (C) Noble High School 21st Century Learning Expectations:
A1. Effective Communication
i. Written Communication
ii. Presentations
A2. Critical Thinking
A3. Creative Use of Resources
i. Research
ii. Technology (supportive)
iii. Design & Professionalism (supportive)
A4. Work Habits
S1. Collaboration
S2. Social Responsibility and Awareness
C1. Informed Citizenship
C. All students will complete a Graduation Portfolio in order to graduate. The graduation portfolio consists of four elements: Student-led conferences (i.e. Roundtables) at the end of the freshman, sophomore, and junior years, and the Senior Project, through which students will demonstrate their knowledge and skills in conducting in-depth research, as well as proficiency in the presentation of their research through the application of technology.
D. All students will complete 60 hours of community service.
E. Completion of all components of the Maine High School Assessment during the third year of high school.
Additional Considerations Applicable to the Awarding of a Diploma
Most students will satisfy graduation requirements during a four-year experience; however, students may fulfill the requirements for a diploma in a time period that is accelerated or lengthened, based on their individual needs. These students are expected to develop a Personal Learning Plan with assistance from counselors, teachers and/or administrators.
In order to pursue a multiple pathway to graduation, a student must have a Personal Learning Plan detailing how the student will demonstrate proficiency when a pathway is in lieu of core academic experiences. Each option must provide a quality learning experience that is rigorous. Multiple pathway experiences will be determined, assessed, and documented through the school.
Pathway options include the following:
Early College / Dual Enrollment Courses
CLEP Testing
Career and Technical Education Programming
Online / Virtual Learning
Alternative / At-Risk Programming
Apprenticeships / Internships & Additional Field Work and/or Exchange Experiences
Adult Education
Transfer Students
For students who transfer to Noble High School from another state, country, home-schooling program, or from an educational program that is not required to be aligned with the content standards of the Common Core or the Maine Learning Results, the principal shall determine the value of the student’s prior educational experience towards meeting graduation requirements for a high school diploma. The superintendent will ultimately determine whether these students are certified to receive a diploma.
Home-schooled Students
For home-schooled students wishing to receive a diploma from Noble High School, the principal shall determine the value of the student’s prior educational experience toward meeting graduation credit requirements. A home-schooled student must have attended Noble High School for a minimum of two (2) semesters in order to receive a Noble High School diploma.
Students Receiving Special Education Services
Students who successfully meet the graduation requirements, as specified in the goals and objectives of their Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and in accordance with Maine law, will be awarded diplomas.
Delayed Awarding of Diplomas
A student who leaves high school to attend an accredited, degree-granting institution of higher education may upon satisfactory completion of the freshman year be awarded a high school diploma, provided that the student has notified the principal at the time of the early admission.
Extended Study
Students are eligible for extended years of study to complete the requirements of a diploma if they have not reached the age of 20 at the start of the school year. Students eligible for extended years of study may be referred to adult education or other resources.
Participation in the Graduation Ceremony
A student must complete all Board requirements for a Noble High School diploma in order to participate in any graduation exercises.
Legal Reference: 20-A M.R.S.A. § 4722-A (as revised) Proficiency-Based Diploma Standards
Ch. 489 (Me. Dept. of Ed. Rule) (as revised)
Cross Reference: IHCDA – Post-Secondary Enrollment Options
IKFA – Early Graduation
NHS Student/Athletic Handbook
Adopted: March 12, 1987
Revised: July 11, 1996; February 1, 2001; July 10, 2003; March 3, 2005 and March 30, 2006
Revised: October 4, 2007
Revised: September 20, 2007
Revised: June 21, 2012
Revised: May 14, 2014
Revised: November 10, 2016
Revised: June 1, 2017