Seniors – Class of 2020

Senior Students and Parents,

Senior student Graduation requirements highlights:

  • Award a diploma if a senior was on track to graduate prior to the closure.
    • For the final term(s) of a one-credit course over a series of terms:
      • If a senior was on-track for a passing grade (A-D or equivalent) at the date of
        closure, then the senior shall be awarded a “Pass” status.
    • For any one-term semester course:
      • “Pass” status shall be awarded to seniors based on a passing grade (A-D or
        equivalent) earned in the current term through the date of closure.
  • If any senior is determined to be failing a course at the date of school closure and
    assigned an incomplete, the district shall provide opportunities to that senior to
    improve to a passing grade commensurate with peers who were determined to have
    “passed” or met proficiency by the same date. The student should not have to start the
    class over or be held to a higher standard than other seniors who “passed” the same
    course.

    • If the senior was not on-track with a passing grade (F or equivalent) at the date
      of closure, then the senior shall be awarded an “Incomplete” or “withdrawal”
      status, with opportunities to earn a “Pass” preferably by the end of the school
      year, but this can extend until August 31, 2020.

ODE’s Graduation Pathways 2020 guidance is grounded by the following foundational premise:

This guidance for Graduation Pathways 2020 relates only to current high school seniors, as
defined by students who first enrolled in ninth grade in the 2016-2017 school year or earlier
(including 5th or 6th year seniors). This guidance does not apply to students who first enrolled
in ninth grade in the 2017-2018 school year or later, unless they have an early graduation plan
that was approved before the Executive Order (EO 20-08) was issued on March 17, 2020.

This guidance provides options and recommendations to award credits for seniors that account
for their work and accomplishments up to the point of school closure.

What’s Essential: Graduation Pathways 2020 Guidance

  • Maintain current Oregon Diploma, Oregon Modified Diploma, and Oregon Extended
    Diploma subject-area and credit requirements.
  • Award subject-area credit based on a senior’s progress or demonstrated proficiency as
    of school closure.
  • Award a diploma if a senior was on track to graduate prior to the closure.
  • Ensure opportunity for seniors to earn credit for course work or learning they have
    engaged with since the school closure.
  • Assign seniors Pass/Incomplete for all courses impacted by school closure. (See
    Reconciling Credit section below.)
  • Suspend all Essential Skills and Personalized Learning requirements for seniors 1
    (CareerRelated Learning Experiences (CRLEs), Extended Application, and Education Plan and
    Profile).
  • Note: ODE will pursue State Board of Education action and OAR revision.

Reconciling Credit

For the final spring term(s), seniors shall be awarded credit based on a Pass/Incomplete (or
withdrawal) determination:

  • If any senior is determined to be failing a course at the date of school closure and
    assigned an incomplete, the district shall provide opportunities to that senior to
    improve to a passing grade commensurate with peers who were determined to have
    “passed” or met proficiency by the same date. The student should not have to start the
    class over or be held to a higher standard than other seniors who “passed” the same
    course.
  • For the final term(s) of a one-credit course over a series of terms:
    • If a senior was on-track for a passing grade (A-D or equivalent) at the date of
      closure, then the senior shall be awarded a “Pass” status.
    • If the senior was not on-track with a passing grade (F or equivalent) at the date
      of closure, then the senior shall be awarded an “Incomplete” or “withdrawal”
      status, with opportunities to earn a “Pass” preferably by the end of the school
      year, but this can extend until August 31, 2020.
    • The markings only apply for the spring/final term(s), not the full-year grade (i.e.,
      the senior shall receive a B for semester one and a Pass for semester two).
  • For any one-term semester course:
    • “Pass” status shall be awarded to seniors based on a passing grade (A-D or
      equivalent) earned in the current term through the date of closure.
    • “Incomplete” or “withdrawal” status shall be awarded to seniors based on a
      failing grade (F or equivalent) earned in the current term through the date of
      closure. If the class is required for a diploma, the district shall provide
      opportunities for the senior to earn a “Pass” preferably by the end of the school
      year, but this can extend until August 31, 2020.
  • Do not penalize any seniors when determining whether credit should be awarded,
    taking into account where accommodations and supports such as extended time could
    not be provided due to COVID school closure.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Do students have an opportunity to earn an Honors Diploma?

  • Yes, communicate with Robb Ellis about the requirements for the Honors Diploma and the individual educational plan of the student.

Will there be a graduation Ceremony?

  • We are looking into considerations for the graduation ceremony for the class of 2020.

Who will contact me about my students educational plan?

  • Robb Ellis, Taft Counselor, will be contacting all seniors about individual senior educational plans.

Who do I contact if I have questions about my students educational plan to graduate?