Dear Parents and Students:
This Jeffersonville High School Course Description Guide is an extremely valuable tool to
assist the students with appropriate course selections for the 2012-2013 school year. It is
important that you are aware of the requirements a student must have for graduation from
Jeffersonville High School. Every student must earn a Core 40 diploma and pass the required
State Graduation Exams. Many students will choose to earn a Technical Honors or the
Academic Honors Diploma with their Core 40 diploma. These students must be sure to take the
correct courses for those diplomas and make certain the courses are selected in the appropriate
sequence. Students who wish to earn the Jeffersonville High School Honors Diploma will have
additional requirements. Our guidance staff will work with all students to ensure proper course
selections.
Students should select courses that are of interest and meet their educational goals. It is
important to select courses carefully because schedule changes will be held to an absolute
minimum once the school’s master schedule is finalized. It becomes very difficult to change a
student’s schedule once their requests have been built into the master schedule.
We encourage parents to work with their teenagers to choose courses and to discuss
aspirations and career goals. Collaboration among parents, students, teachers, and counselors
will help provide the support that students need in their journey to reach personal goals.
We look forward to working with you during this important time.
Sincerely,
Jeffersonville High School Administration
ADMINISTRATION
JAMES SEXTON, PRINCIPAL
JEFFRY GRIFFITH, ASST. PRINCIPAL
DAVID MILBURN, ASST. PRINCIPAL
JULIE STRAIGHT, ASST. PRINCIPAL
GINGER WHITIS, ASST. PRINCIPAL
GUIDANCE
STEVE CHURCHMAN, COUNSELOR
LARRY HAZUGA, COUNSELOR
VIRGINIA HERFEL, COUNSELOR
J. MICHAEL MOODY, COUNSELOR
Table of Contents
Page
Mission Statement, Beliefs, Vision
Requirements for Graduation, Grading Scale, Retaking a Course
Graduation Testing Requirement
Other Testing; Vocational Education Program
Core 40
Advanced Placement / Dual Credit
Correspondence / Independent Study
GPA and Weighted Grades
Incomplete Grade
Permission to Take Courses Contrary to Prerequisites
Special Permission Courses
Alternates
Schedule Change / Course Withdrawal Policy
Early Graduation Procedures
Valedictorian / Salutatorian - JHS Honors Diploma
Indiana Academic/Technical Honors Diplomas
Diploma Requirements
Recommended High School Preparation for College Programs
3
4
5
6
6
7
7
8
8
8
8
8
8
9
10
11
12
17
Courses of Study:
JROTC
Business/Technology Ed.
Business/Marketing Ed.
Family and Consumer Science
Early Childhood Education
Fine Arts
-Visual Arts
-Music
-Theatre
Health and Physical Education
Language Arts
Mathematics
Multidisciplinary
Science
Social Studies
Technology
World Languages (Foreign Languages)
Vocational Programs
Prosser School of Technology
19
20
23
26
28
29
37
39
43
46
47
49
53
57
58
61
2
JEFFERSONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
VISION STATEMENT
Graduates of Jeffersonville High School will become successful, productive members of society.
MISSION STATEMENT
Jeffersonville High School, in partnership with students, parents, and the community, will
educate students to become successful contributors to society.
BELIEF STATEMENTS
All students, parents (guardians), school staff, school corporation officials, and the community
must share responsibility and be engaged in the learning process for student academic success.
Positive parental attitudes and involvement improve student success and increase student
interest and motivation.
Everyone associated with the school and its programs will be treated with respect at all times.
All students should be provided a safe, orderly, and positive learning environment.
All Jeffersonville High School students can learn and achieve.
Notice:
It is the policy of Greater Clark County Schools to maintain and operate a learning environment free from
discrimination and harassment on the basis of gender, age, race, disability, family status, national origin, or
religion. No person is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful
discrimination on such basis under any educational or student activity.
3
JEFFERSONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
Jeffersonville High School offers a wide selection of courses so students may choose the subjects that best fit
their individual needs and interests. By studying the course offerings described in this guide, the student may
arrange his/her program of subjects in an organized, progressive fashion. Students should realize that when
they register for their courses in the spring, they are signing up for those subjects for the entire year, not for a
single semester. Therefore, extreme care should be exercised in selecting courses.
REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION
Each student must pass certain required courses in order to graduate. These are minimum requirements. After
consultation with his/her counselor and parents/guardians, a student should select other courses (electives) that
are needed for career education or preparation for advanced schooling.
Students must earn the appropriate number of credits AND pass the End-of-Course
Assessments in Algebra I and English 10. Students enrolled in high school for two (2)
semesters must take the ECAs regardless of the number of credits earned.
PLEASE SEE THE DIPLOMA CHARTS FOR SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS BEGINNING ON PAGE 12 OF THIS GUIDE.
GRADING SCALE
A = 90-100; B = 80-89; C = 70-79; D = 60-69; F = 0-59
RE-TAKING A COURSE
Jeffersonville High School recognizes that there may be times when it is in the best interest of a student to retake a specific course. The guidelines for re-taking a course are as follows:



Only a course with a grade below a “C” can be repeated.
Additional credit for re-taking the class will not be given.
Both grades will be counted when calculating the student’s grade point average.
4
Graduation Testing Requirement
The State of Indiana requires that students pass the End-of-Course Assessments (ECAs) in Algebra I and
English 10 to satisfy the graduation test requirement. These assessments are given when students complete
Algebra I and English 10. Students who do not pass these tests will have opportunities to retake the Algebra I
and English 10 ECA’s, once each semester while they are in high school.
ECA “Evidence-based” Waiver:
A student who does not achieve a passing score on Algebra I or English 10 ECA may be eligible to graduate
if the student does all of the following:
(1) Takes the End-of-Course Assessment (ECA) in each subject area in which the student did not achieve a passing
score at least one (1) time every school year ;
(2) Completes remediation opportunities provided to the student by the student's school;
(3) Maintains a school attendance rate of at least ninety-five percent (95%) with excused absences not counting
against the student's attendance;
(4) Maintains at least a "C" average (2.0) or the equivalent in the courses comprising the credits specifically required
for graduation by rule of the state board;
(5) Otherwise satisfies all state and local graduation requirements; and
(6) Obtain a written recommendation from a teacher of the student in each subject area in which the student has not
achieved a passing score on the graduation examination. The written recommendation must be concurred by the
principal of the student's school and be supported by documentation that the student has attained the academic
standard in the subject area based on:
(A) tests other than the graduation examination; or
(B) classroom work.
ECA “Work-readiness” Waiver:
A student who does not achieve a passing score on the Algebra I or English 10 ECA may be eligible to
graduate if the student does all of the following:
(1) Takes the End-of-Course Assessment (ECA) in each subject area in which the student did not achieve a passing
score at least one (1) time every school year;
(2) Completes remediation opportunities provided to the student by the student's school;
(3) Maintains a school attendance rate of at least ninety-five percent (95%) with excused absences not counting
against the student's attendance;
(4) Maintains at least a "C" average (2.0) or the equivalent in the courses comprising the credits specifically required
for graduation by rule of the state board;
(5) Otherwise satisfies all state and local graduation requirements; and
(6) Complete the course and credit requirements for a general diploma, including the career academic
sequence; a workforce readiness assessment; and, at least one (1) career exploration internship, or
cooperative education, or workforce credential recommended by the student's school.
Students enrolled in Biology I (regardless of grade level) must take the Biology I ECA when they complete the
course. Participation in this assessment is an NCLB requirement.
Parents and students are encouraged to contact their counselors for more information regarding these
requirements.
5
Other Testing
Students enrolled in Algebra I, Biology and English 10 take the Indiana Core 40 End-of-Course
Assessments. These assessments are often computerized. Other testing includes:
Grade Level
9
10
11
Test(s)
American College Test (ACT) PLAN
Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT)
Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT)* / **
American College Test (ACT)**
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)**
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)**
12
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)**
American College Test (ACT)**
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)**
KEY: *The PSAT in the 11th grade is used to determine National Merit Scholarship awards
**Voluntary
Vocational Education Programs
Vocational education classes provide students with the opportunity to combine hands-on laboratory work,
classroom instruction, and on-the-job training. This gives students the opportunity to learn occupational skills
and gain practical experience in preparation for immediate employment upon graduation from high school. To
help keep pace with changing job requirements, technologies and labor market needs, many vocational
education programs work closely with advisory councils that include local employers. Vocational classes are
available to students their junior and senior years.
Core 40
Core 40 classes will provide students with challenging learning experiences. These opportunities will prepare students for
the demands of both work and college. Students must be successful (“C” (2.0) or better grades) in the Core 40 curriculum
to be considered for admission to Indiana’s four-year colleges.
The completion of Core 40 is an Indiana graduation requirement. To graduate with less than Core 40, the following
formal opt-out process must be completed:




The student, the student’s parent or guardian, and the student’s counselor (or another staff member who assists students in
course selection) meet to discuss the student’s progress.
The student’s career and course plan is reviewed.
The student’s parent or guardian determines if the student will achieve greater educational benefits by completing the general
curriculum or the Core 40 curriculum.
If the decision is made to opt-out of Core 40, the student is required to complete the course and credit requirements for a
general diploma and the career-academic sequence found on page 13 of this guide.
The opt-out process involves a conference between the student’s parent or guardian and the student’s counselor (or
another staff member who assists students in course selection). The opt-out process is initiated:



Upon the request of a student’s parent/guardian;
If the student does not pass at least three (3) courses required under the Core 40 curriculum; student’s progress; or
If a student received a score on the graduation examination that is in the twenty-fifth percentile or lower when the student
takes the graduation examination for the first time.
6
If the parent does not participate in the conference with the student and the student’s counselor or designee after receiving
two (2) written requests, the student and the student’s counselor shall meet. A recommendation shall be made to the
student as to whether the student will achieve greater educational benefits by continuing in the Core 40 curriculum or
completing the general curriculum.
A decision with regard to whether a student who is a child with a disability (as defined in IC 20-35-1-2) is subject to the
Core 40 graduation requirement shall be made in accordance with the student’s individualized education program and
federal law.
Advanced Placement / Dual Credit
Students who choose to participate in the Advanced Placement courses must take the AP examination in order
to earn transcript AP credit. If students do not wish to take the AP examinations, the transcript will reflect
Honors credit. College Board Testing offers these examinations. If students score well on these tests,
universities may offer them advanced placement in upper-class courses and/or grant them semester hours
(credits) for those tests passed with a specified scores.
Jeffersonville High School’s Advanced Placement (AP) Courses
AP Language and Composition (English)
AP Literature and Composition (English)
AP Chemistry II
AP Biology II
AP Environmental Science
AP Computer Science A
AP Studio Art
AP Music Theory
AP French
AP German
AP Spanish
AP Calculus
AP Statistics
AP Economics
AP United States Government
AP United States History
AP European History
AP Psychology
AP Human Geography
AP World History
Jeffersonville High School’s Dual Credit Courses
Cadet Teaching
Education and Early Child Care
Business and Personal Law
Correspondence / Independent Study Courses
Students must see their counselors for information about correspondence / independent study courses. A
maximum of eight (8) correspondence / independent study credits, per State Law 511.IAC.6-7-7, may be
acceptable for meeting graduation requirements. Correspondence courses must be completed and grades
submitted to the counselor by May 1 of the graduation year. Correspondence/Independent study courses do not
meet Indiana Academic Honors Diploma requirements. Please note: Greater Clark’s On-line Academy of
Learning (E-school) is not considered a correspondence course and the courses meet the requirements for
the Indiana Academic Honors Diploma.
7
GPA and Weighted Grades
Beginning with the Class of 2008 a “weighted” factor will be added to each identified Honors and Advanced Placement
course. The weight is not scaled to a grade for the course but is simply added to the final grade provided the student has
earned credit for the course. If a student is in a combined Honors and Advanced Placement course, the weight will be
applied to the course title under which the student enrolled. Advanced Placement credit will be awarded only if the
student sits for the AP test in the applicable course.
Weighted factor: All Honors courses---1.0
All AP courses---2.0
Calculation: At the end of the semester, the final grade calculation will be made by the student management system.
Incomplete Grade (I)
Any student who receives an INCOMPLETE (I) grade for a semester must complete all required work within the first
TEN (10) SCHOOL DAYS of the next regular semester in order for the teacher to assign a final grade. If work is not
completed during the first ten (10) days, the “I” grade will become an F.
Permission to Take Courses Contrary to Prerequisites
Students who wish to take a class for which they do not meet the prerequisites must see their counselor so that a
conference with student, parent, and instructor of the course can be arranged to discuss the student’s ability to be
successful in the class.
Special Permission Courses
Some courses require instructor recommendation or approval. The instructor’s signature is required on the student
registration form. Students should read the prerequisites for courses to determine if special permission or approval is
required.
Alternates
Students must select an alternate (substitute) course for each elective. STUDENTS SHOULD EXERCISE MUCH
CARE IN CHOOSING ALTERNATES since students could be scheduled into alternates if first choices cannot be
scheduled by the computer without conflict.
Schedule Change / Course Withdrawal Policy
A request for a student schedule change MUST occur within the first two (2) weeks of the course. After that time, any
changes, other than programmatic changes, will result in the grade of F in the dropped course. Programmatic changes
result when a teacher recommends that a student be moved to another level or class. In general, schedule change requests
will only be granted for valid educational reasons (i.e., senior needing course for graduation, scheduled into a course for
which credit has already been granted, etc.). A “Withdrawn Failure (WF)” grade will be used for any student whose
program is changed by a teacher or administrator from a traditional course of study to an alternative course of study.
8
Early Graduation Procedure
It is the belief of Greater Clark County Schools that the majority of students are benefited by completing eight semesters
of high school. However, a student may graduate in less than eight semesters under the following guidelines:
Students may graduate after 7 semesters if:
 They are unlikely to graduate if forced to complete an 8th semester, or
 They demonstrate financial need, or
 They would be adversely impacted in their socio-emotional growth by the completion of an 8th semester, or
 They are developmentally ready to move beyond high school, or
 They have been accepted into an accredited postsecondary education institution, or
 They are furthering their education through military enlistment and they have an enlistment contract that contains
an education component.
Students may graduate earlier than 7 semesters if
 They are unlikely to graduate if forced to complete additional semesters, or
 They have been accepted into an accredited postsecondary education institution, or
 They are furthering their education through military enlistment and they have an enlistment contract that contains
an education component
 They meet any one of the following criteria:
o They receive a proficiency score on a standardized assessment of academic or subject area competence
that is accepted by accredited postsecondary educational institutions,
o They receive a high proficiency level score on an end-of-course assessment for a course without taking
the course,
o Successfully completing a similar course at an eligible institution under the postsecondary enrollment
program
o They receive a score of 3, 4, or 5 on an AP examination without taking the course
Students requesting graduation in less than 8 semesters should do so when registering for their senior year classes.
Students requesting accelerated graduation later than this will not be denied solely on the basis of the timing of request.
Students may utilize the 8 transfer credit policy to assist them in meeting accelerated graduation requirements. Students
graduating in less than 8 semesters will not be included in class rank when computed. Student selecting to graduate in
less than 8 semesters will not be included in consideration for honor recognition based on class GPA or class rank.
Official diplomas will not be awarded until the end of the school year.
Students seeking accelerated graduation must petition their guidance counselor who will assist them in completing the
GCCS Accelerated Graduation Application. Once the application for is complete the counselor will gain approval from
the principal or their designee.
The Mitch Daniels Early Graduation Scholarship
There is a new scholarship for students who graduate from a publicly supported high school at least one year
early, after December 31, 2010. For more information go to: http://www.in.gov/ssaci/2504.htm
9
Valedictorian / Salutatorian
The Indiana Academic Honors Diploma is required of any student honored as Valedictorian or Salutatorian in a Greater
Clark County School (GCCS). Additionally, a student who wishes to be considered for the honor of Valedictorian or
Salutatorian must be a full-time student in the specific GCCS high school for 6 of the 8 semesters used to determine
his/her grade point average (GPA), the basis for determining Valedictorian and Salutatorian status. The 6 semesters need
not be consecutive; however, the student must be in attendance the entire 8th semester. To calculate honors/AP credits for
a transfer student, the GCCS high school must adhere to the following:
1.
2.
3.
All transfer courses for which the specific GCCS high school offers a comparable equivalent course
(honors/advanced placement) will be accepted for honors credit and the weighted grade.
Any course which has not been available to GCCS high school students at the time the course was taken by
the transfer student will not be accepted for honors credit. The course will be accepted for regular credit, but
no “weight” will be given.
The following grading scale should be used in all GPA computations:
90 -100 A
80 – 89 B
70 – 79 C
60 – 69 D
59 – 0 F
JHS HONORS DIPLOMA
The purpose of the Jeffersonville High School Honors Program is the pursuit of academic excellence. In accordance with
this goal, our program affords those capable and highly motivated students the opportunity to achieve at a higher level
of accomplishment in academic areas than the standard curriculum affords. Thus, the Honors Program is an advance
program, not exclusively a college-preparatory one.
Honors classes may be offered in any required academic course, 9th grade through 12th grade. In the elective curriculum
area, only third and fourth year courses may be offered as Honors classes. Advanced Placement courses must meet the
criteria of the Advanced Placement Program Curriculum. Selection of ninth grade students for Honors Algebra I, Honors
Geometry, Honors Biology I and Honors English is based on past performance, eighth grade teacher recommendation and
standardized testing. Selection of 10th, 11th and 12th grade students for English, Math, Foreign Language, Science and
Social Studies honors classes is based on the student’s past performance, standardized test results and teacher
recommendation. To be admitted to an honors class, all upper class students must go through the application process.
This process may be initiated by the student and/or the student’s current teacher.
During the first semester of the freshman year, at the recommendation of the teacher, a student can be transferred to a
non-honors section of the same course. The Honors Diploma is awarded if:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Students participate in the Honors Program.
Students earn 20 Honors credits and have a “C” or better in each course.
Students earn an accumulated Grade Point Average of 3.5 for all courses taken while in high school.
Students must enroll in a minimum of 1 honors class during their senior year.
Seniors must have earned 20 honors credits after 7 semesters in order to receive recognition at Senior Awards Ceremony.
The following courses are presently, or may be included in the Honors Program:
Honors English 903
Honors English 1003
Honors English 1103
AP Eng/Lang Comp
AP Eng/Lit Comp
AP Psychology
AP Human Geography
AP World History
AP European History
AP U.S. History
AP Economics
AP U.S. Government
Honors Economics
Honors Algebra I
Honors Algebra II
Honors Geometry
Honors Pre-Calculus
AP Statistics
AP Calculus
10
AP Biology II
AP Chemistry II
AP Environmental Science
AP Physics
Honors Biology I
Honors Chemistry I
Honors Physics
AP Studio Art
AP Music Theory
AP Computer Science A
Indiana Academic/Technical Honors Diplomas
The purpose of the Honors Diplomas is to encourage and reward students who pursue a rigorous course of study
during the high school years. It is established as part of Indiana’s education plan for academic excellence and is
available to any and all students who wish to pursue the challenge expected of them. These do not have to be
honor level courses. A student must have earned a minimum of (47) credits with an overall grade point average
of 3.0 or better. No grade lower than a “C” (2.0) may count toward the diplomas. The basic course
requirements are outlined on page 15 of this guide.
NOTES:
11
CORE 40, TECHNICAL HONORS, AND ACADEMIC HONORS REQUIREMENTS
CLASS OF 2013-15
Core 40
Diploma
English/LA
Technical Honors
Diploma**
8 credits
8 credits
English 9, 10, 11, and 12
Two credits each
Mathematics
English 9, 10, 11, and 12
Two credits each
6 credits
8 credits
(Students must take Math or Physics
during their Junior or Senior year.)
Credits to include 2 cr. Algebra I, 2 cr. Geometry,
2 cr. Algebra II and at least 2 cr. in upper level
course: Pre-Cal/Trigonometry, Calculus,
Discrete Math (Students must take Math or Physics
6 credits
6 credits
Credits to include 2 cr. Algebra I,
2 cr. Geometry, 2 cr. Algebra II
Social Studies
during their Junior or Senior year.)
2 credits: U.S. History
1 credit: U.S. Government
1 credit: Economics
2 credits: World History and
Civilization
Science
2 credits: U.S. History
1 credit: U.S. Government
1 credit: Economics
2 credits: World History and Civilization
6 credits
6 credits
2 credits: Biology I
2 credits: Chemistry or Physics,
or Integrated Chemistry/Physics
2 credits: Any Core 40 Science
course.
Physical Education
Health & Wellness*
Directed Electives
Academic Honors Diploma***
2 credits: Biology I
2 credits: Chemistry or Physics, or Integrated
Chemistry-Physics
2 credits: Any Core 40 Science course.
2 credits****
1 credit*
2 credit****
1 credit*
5 credits
World Languages, Fine Arts,
Career/Technical
6-8 credits
2 credits
World Languages
Fine Arts
Electives
12 credits (Career
Academic Sequence
Recommended)
Student must complete two of the
following, one must be A or B:
A. Minimum level WorkKeys scores:
Reading for Information-6; Applied
Math-6; Locating Information-5
B. 6 dual high school/college credits
in a technical area
C. Earn 2 credits in a Professional
Career Internship or Cooperative
Education course
D. Complete an industry-based work
experience (140 hours) as part of a 2
year tech. ed. program
E. Earn a state-approved, industryrecognized certification
Additional
Requirements
TOTAL:
3-5 credits
46 credits
47 credits
6-8 credits
Students must complete 1 of the
following:
2 AP courses and exams
6 dual academic college credits
1 AP course and exam and 3 dual
academic college credits
Score 1200 or above on SAT
(combined Critical Reading and
Math)
Score 26 or above on ACT
47 Credits
*May substitute 3 credits Family/Consumer Science for 1 credit of Health and Wellness.
**/*** A student must have a GPA of “B” or above, and only Indiana DOE designated courses in which the student has a grade of “C” or
above may count toward the Technical or Academic Honors Diploma.
****: Participation in certain extra-curricular activities may be used as alternate credit for PE. See Health and Wellness section of guide
12
GENERAL DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS
(Must follow opt-out procedures noted on page 6 of this guide)
Curriculum Area
English/
Language Arts
Core 40
Diploma
General Diploma Requirements
8 credits
8 credits
English 9, 10, 11, and 12
Two credits each
Mathematics
English 9, 10, 11, and 12
Two credits each
6-8 credits
4 credits
Credits in Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II.
Additional credits in Pre-Cal/Trigonometry,
Calculus, Discrete Mathematics
Social Studies
6 credits
6 credits
2 credits: U.S. History
1 credit: U.S. Government
1 credit: Economics
2 credits: World History and Civilization
Science
6 credits
Other Subjects:
Foreign Languages
Arts
Computers
Career Area
Physical Education
Health/Safety
Other:
TOTAL:
2 credits: U.S. History
1 credit: U.S. Government
1 credit: Economics
2 credits: World History and Civilization
4 credits
2 credits: Biology
2 credits: Chemistry, Physics, or Integrated
Chemistry/Physics
2 credits: Additional credits from Chemistry,
Physics, Earth Space Science, Advanced
Biology, Advanced Chemistry, Advanced
Physics, or Advanced Environmental
Science
Subtotal:
Must include 2 credits in Algebra I
Must include 2 credits in Biology
26-28 credits
22 credits
8 credits
Must earn 6 credits in a career academic
sequence
(in above subjects or any of the four
subjects below)
Encouraged
Encouraged
Encouraged
Encouraged
Encouraged
Encouraged
Encouraged
Encouraged
1 credit****
1 credit*
6-10 Elective Credits
2 credit****
1 credit Health and Wellness*
6 Elective Credits, 5 Flex credits
46 credits
42 credits
*May substitute 3 credits Family/Consumer Science for 1 credit of Health and Wellness.
****: Participation in certain extra-curricular activities may be used as alternate credit for PE. See HEALTH AND WELLNESS section.
13
Effective beginning with students who enter high
school in 2012-13 school year (Class
of 2016)
Course and Credit Requirements
English/
Language
Arts
Mathematics
8 credits
Including a balance of literature, composition
and speech.
6 credits (in grades 9-12)
2 credits: Algebra I
2 credits: Geometry
2 credits: Algebra II
Or complete Integrated Math I, II, and III for 6 credits.
Students must take a math or quantitative reasoning course each year in high school
Science
6 credits
2 credits: Biology I
2 credits: Chemistry I or Physics I or
Integrated Chemistry-Physics
2 credits: any Core 40 science course
Social Studies
6 credits
2 credits:
1 credit:
1 credit:
2 credits:
Directed Electives
U.S. History
U.S. Government
Economics
World History/Civilization or
Geography/History of the World
5 credits
World Languages
Fine Arts
Career and Technical Education
Physical Education 2 credits
Health and Wellness 1 credit
Electives*
6 credits
(College and Career Pathway courses recommended)
40 Total State Credits Required
14
with Academic Honors
(minimum 47 credits)
For the Core 40 with Academic Honors diploma, students must:
 Complete all requirements for Core 40.
 Earn 2 additional Core 40 math credits.
 Earn 6-8 Core 40 world language credits (6 credits in one language or 4 credits each in two languages).
 Earn 2 Core 40 fine arts credits.
 Earn a grade of a “C” or better in courses that will count toward the diploma.
 Have a grade point average of a “B” or better.
 Complete one of the following:
A. Earn 4 credits in 2 or more AP courses and take corresponding AP exams
B. Earn 6 verifiable transcripted college credits in dual credit courses from priority course list
C. Earn two of the following:
1. A minimum of 3 verifiable transcripted college credits from the priority course list,
2. 2 credits in AP courses and corresponding AP exams,
3. 2 credits in IB standard level courses and corresponding IB exams.
D. Earn a combined score of 1750 or higher on the SAT critical reading, mathematics and writing sections and a
minimum score of 530 on each
E. Earn an ACT composite score of 26 or higher and complete written section
F. Earn 4 credits in IB courses and take corresponding IB exams.
with Technical Honors
(minimum 47 credits)
For the Core 40 with Technical Honors diploma, students must:
 Complete all requirements for Core 40.
 Earn 6 credits in the college and career preparation courses in a state-approved College & Career Pathway and one of
the following:
1. Pathway designated industry-based certification or credential, or
2. Pathway dual credits from the lists of priority courses resulting in 6 transcripted college credits
 Earn a grade of “C” or better in courses that will count toward the diploma.
 Have a grade point average of a “B” or better.
 Complete one of the following,
A. Any one of the options (A - F) of the Core 40 with Academic Honors
B. Earn the following scores or higher on WorkKeys; Reading for Information – Level 6, Applied Mathematics –
Level 6, and Locating Information-Level 5.
C. Earn the following minimum score(s) on Accuplacer: Writing 80, Reading 90, Math 75.
D. Earn the following minimum score(s) on Compass; Algebra 66, Writing 70, Reading 80.
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GENERAL DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS
CLASS OF 2016 & BEYOND - Indiana General High School Diploma
The completion of Core 40 is an Indiana graduation requirement. Indiana’s Core 40 curriculum
provides the academic foundation all students need to succeed in college and the workforce.
NOTE – See page 6 of this guide to graduate with less than Core 40
Course and Credit Requirements (Class of 2016 & Beyond)
English/Language Arts
8 credits
Credits must include literature, composition and speech
Mathematics
4 credits
2 credits: Algebra I or Integrated Mathematics I
2 credits: Any math course
General diploma students are required to earn 2 credits in a Math
or a Quantitative Reasoning (QR) course during their junior or
senior year. QR courses do not count as math credits.
Science
4 credits
2 credits: Biology I
2 credits: Any science course
At least one credit must be from a Physical Science or Earth and
Space Science course
Social Studies
4 credits
2 credits: U.S. History
1 credit: U.S. Government
1 credit: Any social studies course
Physical Education
Health and Wellness
College and Career Pathway
Courses
2 credits
1 credit
6 credits
Selecting electives in a deliberate manner to
take full advantage of college and career
exploration and preparation opportunities
Flex Credit
5 credits
Flex Credits must come from one of the following:
 Additional elective courses in a College and Career Pathway
 Courses involving workplace learning such as Cooperative Education
or Internship courses
 High school/college dual credit courses
 Additional courses in Language Arts, Social Studies, Mathematics,
Science, World Languages or Fine Arts
Electives
6 credits
Specifies the minimum number of electives required by the state. High
school schedules provide time for many more elective credits during the
high school years.
40 Total Credits Required
Schools may have additional local graduation requirements that apply to all students
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RECOMMENDED HIGH SCHOOL PREPARATION
FOR COLLEGE PROGRAMS
AREA
MATHEMATICS
SCIENCE
ENGLISH
OTHER
Allied Health
*Nursing
*Lab Tech.
*Dental Hygiene
Algebra, Advanced Math,
Trigonometry
Recommended:
4 Years Preferred
Biology, Chemistry
Physic
4 years
Work experience in
Related Area; Sociology
Psychology;
Digital Communication Tools
Arts and Science
(General or
Undecided)
Algebra, Advanced Math,
Geometry, Trigonometry
Recommended
2 years of Lab
Science
Recommended:
Preferably Biology;
Chemistry, and/or
Physics
4 years
Foreign Language
History
Sociology
Psychology
Digital Communication Tools
Arts and Science
Algebra, Advanced Math,
Geometry, Trigonometry
and Calculus
2 years of Lab
Science
Recommended:
Preferably Biology;
Chemistry, and/or
Physics
4 years
Foreign Language
History
Sociology
Psychology
Digital Communication Tools
Algebra, Advanced Math,
Geometry, Trigonometry
and Pre-Calculus (4 years
of Math preferred)
Biology and/or
Chemistry, and/or
4 years
Foreign Language
Sociology
Digital Communication Tools
Accounting
Other Adv. Bus. Courses
Education
Two years of College
Preparatory Math
Recommended (Algebra,
Advanced Math, and/or
Geometry)
Biology, and
Advanced Courses
in Biology or
another science
4 years
Social Studies
Sociology
Psychology
Digital Communication Tools
Fine Arts
*Art
*Drama
*Music
Two years of College
Preparatory Math (Algebra,
Advanced Math, and/or
Geometry)
Biology or
Physical Science
or Chemistry
4 years
Actual experience
in area of interest
Digital Communication Tools
Pre-Professional
*Medicine
*Dental
*Optometry
4 years preferred (Algebra,
Advanced Math,
Trigonometry)
4 years preferred
(Biology, Chemistry,
Recommended)
4 years
Foreign Language
Sociology
Psychology
Digital Communication Tools
Prelaw
Algebra, Advanced Math,
Trigonometry
2 years of Lab
Science
4 years
Social Studies
Sociology
Digital Communication Tools
Business Law
Engineering
Algebra, Advanced Math,
Geometry, Trigonometry,
Pre-Calculus & Calculus
Biology,
Chemistry,
Physics
4 years
Related areas of
interest in Industrial
Arts
Digital Communication Tools
(Science Oriented)
Business
another science
Although not specifically required, several additional areas are strongly encouraged:
*THE ARTS:
"The arts provide a uniquely valuable mode of seeing ourselves and the world around us. In a bureaucratic and
technological age, the arts present a necessary balance, a sensitive link to that which makes us more fully human.
Students should be familiar with the work of some major artists. They should develop an awareness of artistic
sensibility and judgment and an understanding of the creative process."
*FOREIGN LANGUAGE: "Competency in a foreign language, modern or classical, through the third or fourth year of a demanding
secondary school program develops a student's language resourcefulness in a world community that increasingly
expects that capacity. Such competency improves the comprehension of a student's native language and culture,
and enhances the student's understanding of humankind."
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