BOULDER VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS 2010

COLORADO COMMISSION OF HIGHER EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS 2010

The Boulder Valley School District requires that a minimum of 220 credit hours be earned for graduation; the CCHE requires a minimum of 18 academic units to fulfill admissions requirements.

BVSD

Beginning with the class of 2010, 220 credit hours must be earned in the areas listed below.  Ten credits are equivalent to one full year of credit in a specific subject.

 

 

Language Arts. 40 credits in grades 9-12

10 in Language Arts 9

10 in World Literature & Composition, grade 10

10 in American Literature & Composition, grade 11

5 in language arts elective courses, 9-12

5 in communication courses, grades 9-12

 

Social Studies. 30 credits in grades 9-12

5 in US Government in grade 9

5 in World Geography in grades 9-10

10 in World History in grade 10

10 in US History in grade 11

 

Math. 20 credits in grades 9-12

10 credits of which must include Algebra I or higher level mathematics

 

Science. 20 credits in grades 9-12

10 credits in courses designated as Life Sciences

10 credits in courses designated as Physical Sciences

 

Physical Education. 15 credits in grades 9-12

5 in Comprehensive P.E., grade 9

10 in elective P.E. courses, grades 9-12, balanced between individual fitness and team sports.

 

Health. 5 credits in grades 9-10

 

Fine Arts. 5 credits in grades 9-12 (includes music or art).

 

Second Language Acquisition. 10 credits in World Language, Level 2 or higher; or, for ELL students, achievement of approved level of English language acquisition. 

 

Practical Experiences. 5 credits in grades 9-12

5 credits in Computer Science or Applied Technology unless fulfilled in middle level; otherwise, 5 credits in Business, Consumer and Family Studies, or other career and technical education course; AND evidence of completion of a 12 hour course in Money Management & Personal Finance unless fulfilled in middle level or through qualified district course.

 

NOTE:  Computer Science/Applied Technology and Money Management/Personal Finance are new requirements beginning with this graduating class.

 

Additional credits in courses approved for grades 9-12,70-80 credits, depending on how the Second Language Acquisition requirement is met.

CCHE

(Colorado Commission of Higher Education)

Beginning with the class of 2010, 15 academic units are required for admissions.  An academic unit is equivalent to one full year of credit in a specific subject.

 

Language Arts. 4 units

Acceptable:  World Literature & Composition, American Literature & Composition, Speech, Debate, Honors Courses, Advanced Placement, and/or International Baccalaureate Courses

Not Acceptable: Business English, ESL English, Yearbook, Drama, and Journalism.

 

Social Science. 3 units including 1 unit in U.S. History and/or World Civilization

Acceptable:  U.S. History, World Civilization, State and/or International History, Civics, Principles of Democracy, Geography, Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Honors Courses, Advanced Placement, and/or International Baccalaureate Courses

Not Acceptable: Family Living, Marriage and Family, and Consumer Education.

 

Mathematics. 4 units; Algebra I and higher

Acceptable:  Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Honors Courses, Advanced Placement, and/or International Baccalaureate Courses

Not Acceptable: Pre-Algebra, general math, business math, accounting, and consumer math.

 

Natural Science. 3 units including 2 units in courses designated as laboratory work

Acceptable:  Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, Physical Science, Honors Courses, Advanced Placement, and/or International Baccalaureate Courses

Not Acceptable: General Science, Outdoor Education, Environmental Studies.   

 

Foreign Language. 2 units

World Language, Level 2 or higher (same language)

Correction to chart in Fairview’s “Four Year Academic Planning Guide,” page 3:

Foreign Language. 1 unit

 

Academic Electives. 2 units

Acceptable courses may come from any academic area listed above with foreign languages, computer science, art, music, journalism, drama, honors courses, advanced placement, and/or international baccalaureate courses.