5540

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

5540

High school graduation requirements shall be the successful completion of twenty (20) or twenty-six (26) units of credit earned in grades 9-12 (twenty-two (22) for the occupational course of study), the meeting minimum requirements of the state competency examination, and any additional state and local requirements. 

5540.1

The Board shall establish requirements for graduation and the granting of diplomas. The courses required by the Board shall include specific requirements set by the North Carolina State Board of Education.

5540.2

Lists of high school seniors eligible for diplomas shall be submitted by the superintendent for board approval prior to graduation. Such approval shall be granted pending completion of graduation requirements by the student and certification of completion to the board of education by the respective principal.

5540.3

Graduation exercises may be held within one week of the 180th school day of each school year. The time, date, and location of graduation exercises shall be approved by the superintendent. The graduation program shall be approved by the principal.

5540.4

Honor graduates may be designated by the principals on the basis of criteria established by the superintendent. Recognition of honor graduates may be included in graduation programs.

5540.5

Graduation prior to that of one's class may be permitted under criteria to be approved by the board upon recommendation of the Superintendent

5540.6

Special certificates of attendance and achievement may be awarded to students enrolled in programs for the handicapped who have not met the requirements on the State Competency Examination when these students have successfully completed their high school programs. The certificates may be awarded at the regular graduation ceremony or at a special ceremony which is scheduled by the principal.

5540.7

Other students who have met course requirements for graduation but have not passed the minimum competency test will be given a letter of certification and will be encouraged to continue work toward satisfying the requirements of graduation and earning the diploma.

5540.8

Upon completion of course work or graduation, each student shall be given written notice that he/she is entitled to one free copy of his/her high school transcript.

Legal Reference: North Carolina Administrative Code 2E.0103, 2G.0702; 2G.0702(a)

Adopted: October 6, 1980

Revised: August 20, 1991

Revised: June 17, 1991

Revised: January 21, 2003