PORTA Graduation Requirements
by Eric Kesler
July 28, 2006
A school year consists of two semesters. One unit of credit is obtained by successfully completing a course that lasts both semesters. One-half unit of credit is obtained by successfully completing a course that lasts one semester. All 3 of the following must be completed before graduation.
The following areas must be completed before graduation:
1. 21 units of credit must be earned to graduate form PORTA High School. The following academic units are required of all students:
---- 3 units of English
---- 1/2 unit of Speech
---- 2 units of Mathematics (3 units beginning with the class of 2009)
---- 2 unit of Science (2 1/2 units beginning with Class of 2008)
---- 2 units of Social Science (1 unit of American History and of Social Study Elective)
---- 1/4 unit of Drivers Ed
---- 1/2 unit of Health
---- 1/2 unit of Consumer Resource Management or pass the Illinois Consumer's Ed. Prof. Test which is offered once a year at PORTA High School. Check with the guidance counselor or consumer ed. teacher for date and registration procedure for the consumer ed. proficiency test.
---- 1/2 unit of Consumer Resource Management II (beginning with the Class of 2008)
Electives: a minimum of 6 1/2 units
2. Each student must be enrolled in Physical Education or Health Education or earn an academic waiver for each semester he/she is enrolled in school.
3. Each student must pass an examination on the U.S. Constitution and the State of Illinois Constitution.
4. Students who meet all requirements for graduation as set by the State of Illinois.
A student who has successfully completed all district and state graduation requirements will be issued a diploma. Unlike receipt of a diploma, participation in the graduation ceremony is a privilege, not a right. The graduation ceremony is like any other extracurricular activity to which school policies apply. Students should understand that, as the end of the school year approaches, an administrator's disciplinary options diminish to the point that revoking graduation privileges may be the only option.
Correspondence courses will be accepted for credit ONLY if the course is not a part of the PORTA High School's current curriculum AND each course is approved of by the Principal. A maximum of two correspondence credits will be accepted toward graduation. No transfer courses will receive weighted credit.
Physical Education may be used to fulfill credit requirement, however it will not count toward grade point average. All students must enroll in 5 academic courses in addition to physical education each semester. Exception: Senior who is enrolled in Lincoln Land early out program.
Independent Study Courses: Students with a particular interest in a subject area may take individual study courses. A syllabus must be developed by the student. and sponsoring instructor and be approved by both the counselor and principal. The independent study course must be in addition to the five academic courses required, but cannot exceed an 8 course limit.
last updated 1/31/06
