**IKF - GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS** **Last Updated Date:** 04/29/2014 **Adoption Date:** 01/10/2006 The requirements for graduation from the South Hadley Public Schools express our commitment to ensure that students are well prepared to succeed in their pursuit of post-secondary education, career, and life-long learning. We believe that today's well-educated learner will have demonstrated proficiency in the elements of the Massachusetts Common Core of Learning and an in-depth foundation of knowledge and skills in all of the traditional academic subject areas. Graduation requirements will include the attainment of passing grades in the following: 1. Four years of English Language Arts 2)   Three years of Social Studies, including U.S. and World History 3)   Three years of Mathematics 4)   Three years of Science 5)   Four years of Physical Education (unless medically excused during each semester) 6)   One semester of Wellness for all students in Grades 9 and 11 Beginning with the Class of 2016, additional graduation requirements will be implemented: 1. Four years of Mathematics 2. Two years of the same Foreign Language at the high school level 3. One year of Art A course will carry credit in direct proportion to the number of periods per week that it meets for a full year.  Proportional credit for less than a full year’s course will be awarded.  Credits:  Students need a total of 152 credits to graduate. State requirements (passing grade or portfolio):        MCAS English Language Arts MCAS Mathematics MCAS Science The above requirements are intended as general policy for academic standards, founded on the belief that all students are capable of mastering a demanding academic program. Of necessity, in order to comply with our philosophy and objectives for personalizing education for students, it is understood that in a few individual cases, a requirement may be waived or modified by the high school principal if there is a conflict between the requirement and a student's planned vocational or special education program.  Such waivers or modifications will be granted only to the extent necessary to meet an individual student's needs after consultation with the student, parent, and guidance counselor and may be designed to allow a student to meet standard requirements through approved alternative educational experiences. **Policy References:** REF.: High School Student Handbook