Bill Text: CA SB243 | 2011-2012 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: High school graduation: courses required.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2012-01-31 - Returned to Secretary of Senate pursuant to Joint Rule 56. [SB243 Detail]
Download: California-2011-SB243-Introduced.html
BILL NUMBER: SB 243 INTRODUCED
BILL TEXT
INTRODUCED BY Senator Wyland
FEBRUARY 10, 2011
An act to amend Section 51225.3 of the Education Code, relating to
high school graduation.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
SB 243, as introduced, Wyland. High school graduation: courses
required.
Existing law prohibits a pupil from receiving a diploma of
graduation from high school unless he or she completes specified
course requirements while enrolled in grades 9 to 12, inclusive.
This bill would make technical, nonsubstantive changes in this
provision.
Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: no.
State-mandated local program: no.
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Section 51225.3 of the Education Code is amended to
read:
51225.3. (a) A In order to receive a
diploma of graduation from high school, a pupil shall complete
all of the following while enrolled in grades 9 to 12,
inclusive , in order to receive a diploma of graduation from
high school :
(1) At least the following numbers of courses in the subjects
specified, each course having a duration of one year, unless
otherwise specified:
(A) Three courses in English.
(B) Two courses in mathematics.
(C) Two courses in science, including biological and physical
sciences.
(D) Three courses in social studies, including United States
history and geography; world history, culture, and geography; a
one-semester course in American government and civics; and a
one-semester course in economics.
(E) One course in visual or performing arts or foreign language.
For the purposes of satisfying the requirement specified in this
subparagraph, a course in American Sign Language shall be deemed a
course in foreign language.
(F) Two courses in physical education, unless the pupil
has been is exempted pursuant to the provisions
of this code.
(2) Other coursework requirements adopted by the governing board
of the school district.
(b) The governing board, with the active involvement of parents,
administrators, teachers, and pupils, shall adopt alternative means
for pupils to complete the prescribed course of study that may
include practical demonstration of skills and competencies,
supervised work experience or other outside school experience, career
technical education classes offered in high schools, courses offered
by regional occupational centers or programs, interdisciplinary
study, independent study, and credit earned at a postsecondary
institution. Requirements for graduation and specified alternative
modes for completing the prescribed course of study shall be made
available to pupils, parents, and the public.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a school district
shall exempt a pupil in foster care from all coursework and other
requirements adopted by the governing board of the district that are
in addition to the statewide coursework requirements specified in
this section if the pupil, while he or she is in grade 11 or 12,
transfers into the district from another school district or between
high schools within the district, unless the district makes a finding
that the pupil is reasonably able to complete the additional
requirements in time to graduate from high school while he or she
remains eligible for foster care benefits pursuant to state law. A
school district shall notify a pupil in foster care who is granted an
exemption pursuant to this subdivision, and, as appropriate, the
person holding the right to make educational decisions for the pupil,
if any of the requirements that are waived will
affect the pupil's ability to gain admission to a postsecondary
educational institution and shall provide information about transfer
opportunities available through the California Community Colleges.
