1. NEW DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS
ALABAMA HIGH SCHOOL
NEW DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS
FEBRUARY 19-20, 2013

2. AGENDA Greetings and Introductions Session Outcomes Diploma Overview
Diploma/Subject Area Analysis
Equivalent/Substitute Courses for Students with Disabilities
Questions

3. SESSION OUTCOMES Participants will:
Become acquainted with requirements for Alabama’s new high school diploma
Receive an analysis of each subject area
Become aware of sample course pathways to obtaining the new diploma (Equivalent/Substitute for Students with Disabilities)
Receive answers to your questions concerning the new diploma

4. ALABAMA HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
AREAS OF STUDY
REQUIREMENTS
CREDITS
English Language Arts
English 9, 10, 11, and 12 or any AP/IB/postsecondary equivalent option of these courses 4
Mathematics
Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II w/ Trig or Algebra II, or their equivalent.
Additional course(s) to complete the four credits in mathematics must be chosen from the Alabama Course of Study: Mathematics or CTE/AP/IB/postsecondary equivalent courses.
Science
Biology and a physical science
The third and fourth science credits may be used to meet both the science and CTE course requirement and must be chosen from the Alabama Course of Study: Science or CTE/AP/IB/postsecondary equivalent courses
Social Studies
World History, U.S. History x 2, and Government/Economics or AP/IB/postsecondary equivalent courses.
Physical Education
LIFE (Personal Fitness)
One JROTC credit may be used to meet this requirement 1
Health Education
Alabama Course of Study: Health Education
0.5
Career Preparedness
Career Preparedness Course (Career and Academic Planning, Computer Applications, Financial Literacy)
CTE and/or Foreign Language and/or Arts Education
Students choosing CTE, Arts Education, and/or Foreign Language are encouraged to complete two courses in sequence. 3
Electives
2.5
Total Credits Required for Graduation 24
(Refer to graphic on slide.)
This one approach to the Alabama High School Diploma removes the need for endorsements or the Alabama Occupational Diploma. The focus will be on the coursework taken that necessitates a clearly articulated and individualized four-year high school plan built for each student based on the results from the EXPLORE academic and career interest assessment and middle school coursework.

5. Elements That Are Different
DIPLOMA OVERVIEW
Elements That Are Different
Computer Applications No longer required
Foreign Languages No longer required
Arts Education No longer required
Career Preparedness Required (New)
CTE/Arts/Foreign Languages Required w/options (New)
Number of Electives Reduced
To enumerate a few important elements that are a part of the new diploma, but are not part of the current diploma, let us take a look at these.
(Refer to slide.)

6. OVERVIEW Implementation Date—2013 Required Credits—24
Required Core Credits—16 (4 X 4)
ELA—Minimum of 4
Math—Minimum of 4
Science—Minimum of 4
Social Studies—Minimum of 4
Other Required Courses and Credits
LIFE (P.E.)—1
Health—.5
Career Preparedness—1
CTE and/or Foreign Language and/or Arts Ed.—3
Electives—2.5
The date of implementation is 2013—2014 with the ninth-grade class.
The number of required credits is the same as it is for the current diploma—24.
The number of core credits is the same, still a 4X4, a minimum of 4 credits in each core area.
Other required courses and credits are: (Refer to slide.)

7. CREDITS English Language Arts 4 Mathematics 4 Science 4
Social Studies
Physical Education
Health Education
Career Preparedness
CTE/Foreign Language/Arts Education
Electives
Total Credits Required
(Refer to slide.)

8. ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS English 9, 10, 11, and 12
or any AP/IB/postsecondary equivalent option of these courses
Now, let’s analyze each content area of the diploma, what the requirements are and how the course requirements and credits may be met, the first being English Language Arts (ELA).
Students must have English 9, 10, 11, & 12 courses and credits. These courses are found in the 2010 Alabama Course of Study: English Language Arts. Also, course and credit requirements for ELA may be met through equivalent options.
The Advanced Placement (AP) equivalent option begins with Grade 11—AP English Language and Composition and AP English Literature and Composition in Grade 12. Additional information may be accessed at
The International Baccalaureate (IB) ELA equivalent option allows students to meet course and credit requirements in schools with approved IB Programs. ELA courses are chosen from Language A: Literature, Language A: Language and Literature, and Literature and Performance. Age requirements are 16 to 19. Specifics such as Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL), additional course offerings, and electives may be accessed at
The postsecondary equivalent option allows dual enrollment for students in Grades 10, 11, & 12 with a B average. Guidelines may be accessed at: page 40. The Early College Enrollment Program (ECEP) for Career and Technical Education (CTE) students may be accessed on page 41 with this same Uniform Resource Locator (URL).

9. MATHEMATICS
Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II w/Trig or Algebra II, or their equivalent
Additional course(s) to complete the four credits in mathematics must be chosen from the Alabama Course of Study: Mathematics or CTE/AP/IB/postsecondary equivalent courses
The three mathematics courses and credits students must have for graduation are Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II w/Trig. or Algebra II, and one other math course and credit.  These courses are found in the 2010 Alabama Course of Study:  Mathematics. 
Course and credit requirements for mathematics may be met through equivalent options.
The CTE equivalent option is through CTE courses that are cross-walked and approved as substitute courses to one of the required mathematics courses. Today no such courses exist, but development of these courses should begin soon.
The AP equivalent option begins with Grade 11—AP Calculus AB, Calculus BC, or Statistics. Additional information may be accessed
The IB equivalent option includes the Mathematics IB Program. Courses that may be used for students in schools with approved IB programs include: Mathematics, Further Mathematics, and Mathematical Studies. Age requirements are 16 to 19. Specifics such as Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL), additional course offerings, and electives may be accessed at
The postsecondary equivalent option allows dual enrollment for students in Grades 10, 11, & 12 with a B average. Guidelines may be accessed at: page 40. The ECEP for CTE students may be accessed on page 41 with this same URL.

10. SCIENCE Biology and “ a physical science”
The third and fourth science credits may be used to meet both the science and CTE course requirements and must be chosen from the Alabama Course of Study: Science or CTE/AP/IB/postsecondary equivalent courses
Four credits of Science are required—two specific courses and two elective courses—from the 2005 Alabama Course of Study: Science. The two required courses are Biology and “a physical science,” which includes three options—Chemistry, Physics, and the course Physical Science.
The remaining two credits may be chosen from the Alabama Course of Study: Science or the following:
The CTE equivalent option is through CTE courses that are cross-walked and approved as well as taught by a Highly Qualified (HQ) teacher in the content areas. These seven courses are Aquaculture Science (Aquascience), Chemistry of Foods (Chemistry), Environmental Management (Environmental Science), Forensic and Criminal Investigations (Forensic Science), Introduction to Biotechnology (Genetics), Human Body Structures and Functions (Human Anatomy and Physiology), and Plant Biotechnology (Botany).
The AP equivalent option includes AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, AP Physics B, AP Physics C–Electricity and Magnetism, and AP Physics C–Mechanics.
The IB equivalent option includes courses from the IB Science Program, including the subject areas of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Design Technology, Environmental Systems and Societies, and Computer Science. Age requirements are 16 to 19. Specifics such as Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL), additional course offerings, and electives may be accessed at
The postsecondary equivalent option allows dual enrollment for students in Grades 10, 11, & 12 with a B average. Guidelines may be accessed at: page 40. ECEP for CTE students may be accessed on page 41 with this same URL.

11. SOCIAL STUDIES
World History, U.S. History x 2, and Government/Economics or AP/IB/postsecondary equivalent courses.
Four credits of Social Studies are required. All courses are specified in the 2010 Alabama Course of Study: Social Studies—1 credit of World History, two credits of U.S. History (2 courses), one-half credit of Government, and one-half credit of Economics.
The AP equivalent option includes AP U.S. History, AP World History, AP European History, AP Comparative Government and Politics, AP Human Geography, AP United States Government and Politics, AP Macroeconomics, and AP Microeconomics. Additional information may be accessed at
The IB equivalent option includes courses from the IB Social Studies Program, including the subject areas of Business and Management, Economics, Geography, History, Information Technology in a Global Society, Philosophy, Psychology, Social and Cultural Anthropology, and World Religions. Age requirements are 16 to 19. Specifics such as Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL), additional course offerings, and electives may be accessed at:
The postsecondary equivalent option allows for dual enrollment for students in Grades 10, 11, & 12 with a B average. Courses should be equivalent to courses for which they substitute. Guidelines may be accessed at: page 40. The ECEP for CTE students may be accessed on page 41 with this same URL.

12. PHYSICAL EDUCATION Alabama Course of Study: Physical Education
Lifelong Individualized Fitness Education (LIFE—Personal Fitness)
One Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) credit may be used to meet this requirement
Only one course of Physical Education is required Lifelong Individualized Fitness Education (LIFE) from 2009 Alabama Course of Study: Physical Education. Other physical activity courses may be substituted for the LIFE course with a waiver. Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC), however, requires no waiver and may be substituted. All substitutes must be one-credit courses, not one-half credit courses.

13. HEALTH EDUCATION Alabama Course of Study: Health Education
The Health Education course is found in the 2009 Alabama Course of Study: Health Education. Two CTE courses may be substituted for Health—Foundations of Health Science and Family Wellness.

14. CAREER PREPAREDNESS
Career Preparedness Course (Career and Academic Planning, Computer Applications, Financial Literacy)
This will be a one-credit course required for graduation that can be taught in Grades The course will prepare students with content knowledge and skills to be college- and career-ready. Career development and academic planning, computer skills application, and financial literacy knowledge are the three components taught in the course. Through this course the required 20-hour online experience can be met.

15. CAREER PREPAREDNESS A CAREER PREPAREDNESS B Components (½ Credit):
Career development and academic planning
Computer skills application
CAREER PREPAREDNESS B
Financial literacy knowledge
Career Preparedness A will be the half-credit course that meets the partial requirements of the one-credit Career Preparedness course required for graduation taught in Grades It will prepare students with content knowledge and skills to be college- and career-ready by incorporating two components of the one-credit Career Preparedness course. The two components are career development and academic planning and computer skills application. This course will be a prerequisite to the second half-credit course, Career Preparedness B. The required 20-hour online experience may be met by taking this course and Career Preparedness B.
Career Preparedness B will be the half-credit course that completes the requirements of the one-credit Career Preparedness course required for graduation taught in grades It will prepare students with content knowledge and skills to be college- and career-ready by incorporating two components of the one-credit Career Preparedness course. The two components are career development and academic planning and financial literacy knowledge. Career Preparedness A will be the prerequisite. The required 20-hour online experience may be met by taking this course and Career Preparedness A.

16. CTE AND/OR FOREIGN LANGUAGE AND/OR ARTS EDUCATION
Students choosing CTE, Foreign Language, and/or Arts Education are encouraged to complete two courses in sequence.
CTE courses are defined in the Alabama courses of study for CTE, foreign languages (languages other than English), and arts education. The Department suggests two courses in sequence (at least) of any area chosen, which also means one of each area could be chosen. It all depends on a student’s interest.

17. ELECTIVES Required areas for offerings: Foreign Languages* Fine Arts*
Physical Education*
Wellness Education*
Vocational and Technical Preparation* (Career/Technical Education)
Driver Education**
*Code of Alabama
**Alabama Administrative Code
The number of electives is fewer, a minimum of 2.5 credits; whereas, the minimum number currently is 3.5 credits with any diploma option. These electives should be available to students as determined by the Local Board of Education.

18. Special Education

19. MULTIPLE PATHWAYS
General Courses/AP/IB/Postsecondary Equivalent Courses
*Essentials/Life Skill Courses
**Alternate Achievement Standards Course.
Students with disabilities have several pathways to follow. A chart has been developed to show the substitute courses for students with disabilities. Keep in mind that there will be students with disabilities on all pathways. Students with disabilities are able to take general courses, AP, IB, and postsecondary equivalent courses.
Courses with one asterisk denote the course sequence for students with disabilities earning credit through the Essentials/Life Skill Courses. Non-disabled students may take Essentials/ Life Skill courses as per students’ four-year plan. There is one diploma with substitute/equivalent courses. Courses are open to all students. Counselors should advise students of possible outcomes and benefits from taking these courses or regular education courses, including very carefully considering college admissions requirements, NCAA eligibility, etc. Students should be advised as to whether certain courses would adequately prepare them for college- and career-readiness in the future.
Courses with two asterisks denote the course sequence for students with significant cognitive disabilities earning core credit through Alternate Achievement Standards (AAS) Courses.

20. FOCUS 4X4 PLAN 4 English 4 Mathematics 4 Science 4 Social Studies
All students must have a four- year high school plan that is clearly articulated and individualized. The plan is a result of students’ middle school coursework. Included with coursework is ACT’s EXPLORE which is an academic career interest assessment.
All students must follow the 4X4 plan regardless of the pathway selected. Remember, all students must take four English courses, four mathematics courses, four science courses, and four social studies courses.

21. MULTIPLE PATHWAYS
ENGLISH 9, 10, 11, and 12 or any AP/IB/postsecondary equivalent courses
or *English Essentials 9, 10, 11, and 12
or **AAS English 9, 10, 11, and 12
The course sequence for students with disabilities earning core credit through the Essentials/Life Skills Courses is denoted with one asterisk. The course sequence for students with significant cognitive disabilities earning core credit through AAS courses is denoted with two asterisks.
Curriculum Guides are resources for Alabama’s teachers. The Curriculum Guides are used to help low-achieving students learn content in smaller increments, catch up on the content they may have missed in previous years, and/or review content related to grade-level academic standards. The guides can be found on the ALEX website under Curriculum ( For further information regarding the Curriculum Guides, please refer to question 29 in the New Alabama High School Diploma FAQs document. Descriptions for these courses can be found in the Course List Descriptions Subject and Personnel Codes link on the State’s website (

22. MULTIPLE PATHWAYS
MATHEMATICS Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II with Trig or Algebra II or CTE/AP/IB/postsecondary equivalent courses
or *Algebraic Essentials A & B and Geometry Essentials A & B (students taking Algebraic Concepts in Grade 9 are not required to take Geometry B)
or **AAS Mathematics 9, 10, 11, and 12
Additional courses to complete the four credits in Mathematics must be chosen from the Alabama Course of Study : Mathematics or CTE/AP/IB/postsecondary equivalent courses.
The course sequence for students with disabilities earning core credit though the Essentials/Life Skills Courses is denoted with one asterisk. Students completing the math courses from the Alabama Occupational Diploma (AOD) can continue to take the Essential Mathematics II and Algebraic Explorations I and II courses.
The course sequence for students with significant cognitive disabilities earning core credit through AAS courses is denoted with two asterisks. Once the equivalent course for Algebra II has been developed, a substitute course for Algebra II will be developed for the Essentials/Life Skills Pathway.

23. MULTIPLE PATHWAYS
SCIENCE Biology and “ a physical science” or CTE/AP/IB/postsecondary equivalent courses
or *Life Skills Science I, II, III, and IV
or **AAS Science 9, 10, 11, and 12
The third and fourth science credits may be used to meet both the science and CTE course requirements and must be chosen from the Alabama Course of Study: Science or CTE/AP/IB/postsecondary equivalent courses.
The course sequence for students with disabilities earning core credit though the Essentials/Life Skills Courses is denoted with one asterisk.
The course sequence for students with significant cognitive disabilities earning core credit through AAS Courses is denoted with two asterisks.

24. MULTIPLE PATHWAYS
SOCIAL STUDIES World History, U.S. History x 2, and Government/Economics or AP/IB/postsecondary equivalent courses
or *World History for Living, U.S. History for Living 10, U.S. History for Living 11, and Economics for Living/U.S. Government for Living
or **AAS Social Studies 9, 10, 11, and 12
The course sequence for students with disabilities earning core credit though the Essentials/Life Skills Courses is denoted with one asterisk.
The course sequence for students with significant cognitive disabilities earning core credit through AAS Courses is denoted with two asterisks.

25. OTHER REQUIRED COURSES
Physical Education
Health Education
Career Preparedness
CTE/Foreign Language/Arts Education
Electives
Students with disabilities must take the other required courses. The overview of the diploma requirements explained the number of credits required in each specific area.

26. PHYSICAL EDUCATION LIFE—Personal Fitness
One JROTC credit may be used to meet this requirement
or Adapted Physical Education
Physical Education is a required course for all students. Students must take LIFE—Personal Fitness or one JROTC credit may be used to meet this requirement.
Students with disabilities who require specially designed instruction may receive adapted physical education.

27. HEALTH EDUCATION Health Education or **AAS Pre-Vocational,
**AAS Vocational,
**AAS Community-based Instruction
**AAS Elective Course
Students following both the general education courses and the Essentials/Life Skills courses must earn the one-half credit of Health Education.
Students taking the Alternate Achievement Courses will have an option of taking one of the following courses to meet this requirement: **AAS Pre-Vocational, AAS Vocational, AAS Community -Based Instruction, and/or AAS Elective Course.

28. CAREER PREPAREDNESS Career and Academic Planning Computer Applications
Financial Literacy or
**AAS Life Skills
Career Preparedness is required for students taking general courses and students who are earning credit through
the Essentials/Life Skills Courses.
Students with significant cognitive disabilities earning core credit through AAS should be enrolled in AAS Life Skills.

29. CTE AND/OR FOREIGN LANGUAGE AND/OR ARTS EDUCATION
2 CTE Courses and Workforce Essentials (or Transition Services II if Workforce Essentials is not offered in your LEA) or
**AAS Life Skills
Students who are following the Essentials/Life Skills Pathway are required to complete two Career and Technical Education Courses in a sequence. Refer to number 13 in the New Alabama High School Diploma FAQs document.
Students who are participating in the Essential/Life Skills Pathway are encouraged to complete two career technical education courses in a sequence. Workforce Essentials Course is a requirement of this pathway as well. Transition Services II is designed to take the place of Workforce Essentials in the event Workforce Essentials is not available in a school system. Transition Services II can also be used as elective course.

30. COURSE SEQUENCES (refer to AHSD Requirements FAQs)
2 Foreign Language courses (same language) and 1 CTE course
or 1 Arts Education course = 3
3 CTE courses and no Foreign Language course and no Arts Education course = 3
2 CTE courses and 1 Foreign Language course or 1 Arts Education course = 3
Students following the General Pathway can choose either 3 CTE courses for the AHSD/Advanced Career and Technical Endorsement or the AHSD/Career and Technical Endorsement (based on which math the student completes) or an Advanced Academic Endorsement by adding two of the same foreign language courses.
With the new diploma, can the student choose any of the following combinations?
2 Foreign Language courses (same language) and 1 CTE course or 1 Arts Education course = 3
3 CTE courses and no Foreign Language course and no Arts Education courses = 3
2 CTE courses and 1 Foreign Language course or 1 Arts Education course = 3
1 CTE course, 1 Foreign Language course and 1 Arts Education course= 3
Yes; however, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders in will follow previous requirements.
Students who are following Essential/Life Skills Pathway are required to complete two career technical education courses in a sequence. Students have an option of the courses that they select in this area unless they are working towards the Essential/Life Skills Pathway.

31. ELECTIVES
Cooperative Education Seminar/Work Based Experience (or Life Skills (LS) Occupational Preparation) or
**AAS Pre-Vocational
**AAS Vocational
**AAS Community Based Instruction
**AAS Elective Course
Students earning core credit through the Essentials/Life Skills courses are required to take Cooperative Education Seminar/Work-Based Experience or Life Skills (LS) Occupational Preparation in school systems that do not have Cooperative Education Programs.
Students who are enrolled in the AAS Courses can select from the following courses to meet the elective requirements: **AAS Pre-Vocational, ** AAS Vocational, **AAS Community -Based Instruction, and/or** AAS Elective Course.