Graduation Requirements

Beginning with the graduating class of 2008, Washington students must meet five new graduation requirements:

1. earning at least 19 course credits (most districts require additional credits);
2. creating a high school and beyond plan;
3. completing a culminating project; 
4. meeting standard in reading and writing as measured by the high school Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) or state approved alternative; and
5. meeting standard in math as measured by the high school WASL or state approved alternative, or continuing to take the WASL and enroll in an "appropriate math class" (see below for more on this class).

During the 2007 legislative session, state lawmakers made several key changes to the WASL graduation requirement in math and science.

Starting with the class of 2008, all students must pass the reading and writing WASL or an approved alternative to graduate. But now, it is the class of 2013 — this year's sixth-graders — who will be the first class required to "meet standard" in mathematics and science.

This delay gives students more time to improve their mathematics and science skills. It also gives the school system time to deepen and accelerate improvements to the state math and science standards, instruction materials, assessments and professional development for teachers.

Despite the temporary delay in math and science, students that do not meet standard in math must stay enrolled in an "appropriate mathematics class" until they pass the math portion of the WASL. Many high schools around the state have designed special classes to help students be successful in meeting the high school math standards. Your child's teacher or counselor should be able to provide guidance about what math class they need to take. (This class should cover early algebra and geometry concepts).

We know these new graduation requirements can be confusing. So we created a chart for parents that spells out what the requirements are and when they go into effect.

If your child has not yet met the 2008 graduation requirements, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction has created this helpful check list on how to fulfill these requirements.