GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
SENIORS OF SCHOOL YEAR 2008-2009, 2009-2010, 2010-2011, 2011-2012
(Entering ninth graders 2005-2006, 2006-2007, 2007-2008, 2008-2009)
1
Compensatory Reading and Compensatory Writing may not be included in the four English courses
required for graduation; however, these courses may be included in the electives required for graduation.
2
Effective with the eighth graders of 2004-2005, Pre-Algebra, Transition to Algebra, and Algebra I may be
taken in the eighth grade for Carnegie unit credit. Survey of Mathematical Topics (starting with ninth
graders in 2005-2006 and thereafter), Compensatory Mathematics and any developmental mathematics
course may not be included in the three mathematics courses required for graduation (four math courses
required for graduation in 2008-2009 and later); however, these courses may be included in the electives
required for graduation. At least one of the three (one of the four for 2008-2009 and later) required
mathematics courses must be higher than Algebra I. The allowable mathematics courses that can be taken
which are higher than Algebra I are: Geometry, Algebra II, Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus,
Calculus, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, Discrete Mathematics, Probability and Statistics, and AP
Statistics. One of the three (four for 2008-2009 and later) required mathematics units may be in Drafting, if
the student completes the 2-course sequence for Drafting I & II.
3
One unit may be in Technology Applications (seniors of 2007-2008) or Introduction to Agriscience or
Agriscience I (Seniors of 2007-2008) or Concepts of Agriscience or Allied Health (Seniors of 2007-2008) or
Aquaculture (Seniors of 2007-2008) or Science of Agricultural Plants or Science of Agricultural Animals or
Science of Agricultural Environment. Two units may be in the following courses if the student completes the
2-course sequence: Agriscience I & II; Allied Health I & II; Aquaculture I & II; Forestry I & II; Horticulture I &
II; Plastics and Polymer Science I & II; and Technology Applications I & II. Two units may be earned by
completing the following AEST 3-course sequence: one unit in Concepts of Agriscience; one unit in
Science of Agricultural Animals or Science of Agricultural Plants or Science of Agricultural Environment; and
one unit in Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship.
4
The credit earned for a State/Local Government course in any other state by an out-of-state transfer
student who enters after the sophomore year can stand in lieu of Mississippi Studies or Mississippi State
and Local Government. If the transfer student took a State/Local Government course in a grade level that
did not award Carnegie unit credit, then any other ½ unit social studies course may be accepted. An out-of-
state student who transfers after the junior year may substitute any other ½ unit social studies course.
5
One unit in Computer Discovery is accepted in lieu of the two ½ unit courses. Evidence of proficiency in
Keyboarding and Computer Applications is accepted in lieu of the required courses if the student earns one
unit in any of the courses listed in the Business and Technology Framework (academic and vocational).
6
All ninth graders are required to take STEM as an elective course. Elective units in physical education
include participation in interscholastic athletic activities that meet the instructional requirements specified in
the Fitness through Physical Education Framework and that are sanctioned by the Mississippi High School
Activities Association. Students on a 4x4 block schedule in grades 9-12 can earn up to 8 Carnegie units for
ROTC, PE, band or athletics. However, only four of the credits can be counted toward graduation. The
other four are district credits only.
7
This group of students must pass all four Subject Area Tests even if they take the course(s) prior to their 9th
grade year.
