BOARD POLICY STATEMENT

Regarding: Academic Proficiency And Requirements for Graduation

Number: 4-9

Approved: March 25, 2003

Supercedes/Amends Policy

Dated: NEW See also:

In accordance with the Board’s philosophy to provide a quality educational program for all students enrolled in the Abington School District, the District will require that, a student must demonstrate academic proficiency in accordance with PA Code §4.24 in order to graduate. Specifically, each regular education student must:

• Successfully complete the Graduation Requirements as delineated in Let’s Look Ahead, the Abington Senior High School Course Selection Guide
  

• Complete a culminating project as described in Let’s Look Ahead, the Abington Senior High School Course Selection Guide
  

• Demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing and mathematics
  

Proficiency may be demonstrated in one of two ways:

1. Achievement at the proficient or advanced level on the PSSA tests administered in Grade 11 or 12.
   OR
   
2. Proficiency level scores on local assessments aligned with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards.
   

A student with a disability will qualify for graduation by satisfactorily completing the special education program developed by his/her Individualized Education Program team under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

For reading, writing, and mathematics, the highest level of proficiency demonstrated on any of the approved assessments will be posted on the student’s transcript. Individual Student Reports of scores and proficiency levels achieved on the PSSA tests will be inserted into each student’s permanent record.

In order to ensure that all regular education students are eligible to graduate, the District will require students who do not demonstrate proficiency on the Grade 11 PSSA mathematics and/or reading test to:

• Enroll in mandatory remedial course work in the specific areas of deficiency until successful demonstration of proficiency
  
  
• Participate in the Grade 12 PSSA re-test
  
  
• If necessary, participate in the Grade 12 Proficiency Examination Program administered by the school district in April
  
  
• If necessary, participate in the final Grade 12 examination program in areas where proficiency has not been demonstrated
  

• If proficiency is not demonstrated prior to the June graduation exercises, attend a proficiency summer school program, at the expense of the parent/guardian.
  

In order to ensure that all regular education students are eligible to graduate, the District will require students who do not demonstrate proficiency on the Grade 11 PSSA writing test to:

• complete a portfolio of standards-aligned assessments
  
• submit a validated standards-aligned checklist