5536.1

6536.1

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction requires school districts to develop a policy specifying how second language graduation requirements shall be met.  WCPSS has developed the following procedures for students wishing to demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English. Students shall be responsible for any expenses incurred during the process of demonstrating second language graduation requirements.

5536.2

6536.2

WCPSS requirements for Schools:

Schools will offer the following means for demonstrating proficiency in a second language, including American Sign Language (ASL), to meet the graduation requirements.

A.   Complete two credits in the same second language.  This does not apply to English as a Second Language.

B.    Submit an official transcript (certified English translation) through the 9^th grade from a school the student attended in which the instruction was in a language or languages other than English.  The principal shall determine if the transcript meets this policy’s requirement. 

C.  Submit scores on a nationally recognized, standardized instrument for languages other than English, such as the SAT Subject Test, the Brigham Young University Foreign Language Achievement Testing Service, or the Signed Communication Proficiency Interview (for ASL).  Scores should reflect a minimum proficiency level comparable to two units of high school study in the language.  The principal shall determine if the submitted scores meet this policy’s requirement.

        D.    Students who wish to demonstrate proficiency in a language not assessed by the aforementioned instruments may request a language assessment from a UNC system representative. Scores should reflect a minimum proficiency level comparable to two units of high school study in the language.  The principal shall determine if the submitted scores meet this policy’s requirement.

5536.3

6536.3

This policy is a clarification of the State’s graduation requirements, and does not supersede any graduation policies.