Academics
Graduation requirements, the daily schedule, grading, and expectations for schoolwork.
Graduation Requirements
Students attending WSSB are required to meet standards for program completion to earn a diploma. This includes a minimum of credits in selected courses and/or evidence the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) has satisfactorily met the student’s needs and credit requirements. The student’s IEP transition course of study may substitute some requirements when appropriate.
Updated information can be found on OSPI’s Graduation Requirements webpage.
| Subject | Credits Required |
|---|---|
| English | 4 Credits |
| Mathematics | 3 Credits* |
| Science | 3 Credits (2 Lab) |
| Social Studies: U.S. History and Government | 1 Credit |
| Social Studies: Elective | 1 Credit |
| Social Studies: Current World Solutions (also called CWP) | 0.5 Credit |
| Social Studies: Civics | 0.5 Credit |
| Physical Education | 1.5 Credits |
| Health | 0.5 Credits |
| Arts | 2 Credits (1 can be PPR**) |
| Career and Technical Education (CTE) | 1 Credit |
| General Electives | 3.5 Credits |
| Go Out And Live Successfully (GOALS) and Legacy Project | 0.5 Credits |
| World Language or Personalized Pathway Requirement (PPR) | 2 Credits (both can be PPR) |
| Total Credits Required to Graduate | 24 Credits*** |
* The 3 math credits consist of Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra 2, OR a student may elect to pursue a 3rd credit of math other than Algebra 2 if the elective is based on a career-oriented program of study identified in the student’s High School and Beyond Plan.
** Personalized Pathway Requirements are related courses that lead to a specific post-high school career or educational outcome chosen by the student based on the student’s interests and High School and Beyond Plan, which may include Career and Technical Education, and are intended to provide a focus for the student’s learning.
*** Up to 2 elective credits may be waived locally for students who have attempted 24 credits.
Non-Credit Requirements
- Washington State History (typically taken in middle school)
- High School and Beyond Plan
Graduation Pathway Requirements
Beginning with the Class of 2020, students must meet at least one of these pathway options to graduate:
- State Assessment: Meet or exceed the graduation scores in the Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA) in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics or in WA-AIM (Washington Access to Instruction & Measurement). Students can meet this requirement through annual state assessments starting in 10th grade.
- Dual Credit: Earn at least one high school credit in ELA and at least one high school credit in math in dual credit courses (Running Start, College in the High School, and/or Career and Technical Education dual credit courses).
- AP/IB/Cambridge: For both ELA and math, earn a 3 or higher on certain Advanced Placement (AP) exams or a 4 or higher on certain International Baccalaureate (IB) exams or an E on certain Cambridge International exams, or pass the course with at least a C+.
- SAT/ACT: Meet or exceed the graduation scores set by SBE in the math and ELA portions of the SAT or ACT.
- Transition Course: Pass a transition course in ELA and math (for example, a Bridge to College course) which allows a student to place directly into a credit-bearing college level course.
- Combination: Meet any combination of at least one ELA and one math option of those options listed above (State Assessment, Dual Credit, AP/IB/Cambridge, SAT/ACT, Transition Course).
- ASVAB: Meet standard on the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) by scoring at least the minimum established by the military for eligibility to serve in a branch of the armed services.*
- CTE Sequence: Complete a sequence of Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses.*
- Performance Based Pathway: The Performance-based Pathway allows students to show what they know and can do in real-world, hands-on ways that align with their individual goals for life after high school. Students can meet this requirement through their WSSB Legacy Project.
* Students who pursue these pathways (ASVAB or CTE) do not need to meet English and math requirements separately. English and math content are embedded in both pathways, and a student who meets either the ASVAB standard or the CTE pathway requirements has met the graduation pathway requirement.
Kevin’s Law
Each year as graduation approaches it is questioned whether a student who is in 12th grade, but is planning on continuing through age 22 should take part in senior activities and the graduation ceremony. Kevin’s Law allows for the student to walk with their graduating class and continue on with their education.
Mod Schedule
| Mod | Time |
|---|---|
| Advocacy | 8:15–8:30 |
| 1 | 8:30–9:00 |
| 2 | 9:00–9:30 |
| 3 | 9:30–10:00 |
| 4 | 10:00–10:30 |
| 5 | 10:30–11:00 |
| 6 | 11:00–11:30 |
| 7* | 11:30–12:00 |
| Lunch | 12:00–12:35 |
| 8 | 12:40–1:10 |
| 9 | 1:10–1:40 |
| 10 | 1:40–2:10 |
| 11 | 2:10–2:40 |
| 12** | 2:40–3:15 |
| Mod | Time |
|---|---|
| Advocacy | 8:15–8:30 |
| 1 (WIN) | 8:30–9:00 |
| 2 | 9:00–9:30 |
| 3 | 9:30–10:00 |
| 4 | 10:00–10:30 |
| 5 | 10:30–11:00 |
| 6 (WIN) | 11:00–11:30 |
| Lunch | 11:30–12:00 |
| Depart | 12:00–12:15 |
* Lunch is served 11:45–12:35 to accommodate individual schedules.
** Monday is early release at 2:10.
WIN means “What I Need.” WIN is student-driven support time.
Advocacy
Every student is assigned an advocate teacher to support students with their individual success. Residential students are assigned a co-advocate in their cottage as well. The advocate assists in monitoring student’s academic, social-emotional, and overall progress. Advocates meet at least once a week and this class is considered part of the curriculum. Advocates are also key members of their student’s IEP team. Parents/guardians should contact their student’s advocate if they have any questions related to their program and progress.
Progress and Grading
Grades will be reported at the end of each semester. Individualized Education Program goal progress will be sent quarterly, every 9 weeks, while final semester grades will be shared at the conclusion of each 18 week semester. Grades will be regularly updated in Skyward, demonstrating student growth and performance towards designated course standards.
WSSB’s approach with grading is geared towards more accurately reflecting each student’s learning progression through standards-based grades. Grades communicate how students are progressing with their learning based on standards. Standards based grading aims at mastery so that learning and feedback are individualized, honest, and clear for all (parents, students, teachers). The state has recently charged schools to re-examine our grading practices to better reflect what students know and demonstrate. In Washington, we are required to assign an A through F letter grade on high school transcripts.
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| 4 Advanced | Demonstrates complete understanding/application of skill or concept and deep learning of concepts or skills beyond the level explicitly taught |
| 3 Proficient | Consistently demonstrates complete understanding and application of skill or concept |
| 2 Progressing | Produces some elements demonstrating understanding and application of skill yet requires more evidence or consistency |
| 1 Beginning | Provides minimal evidence or limited success in demonstrating and applying the skill |
| * No Evidence | Student has not submitted or produced evidence of understanding/application of skill |
| Standards Proficiency | Letter Grade | Percentage Range |
|---|---|---|
| 4.0–3.6 | A | 90%–100% |
| 3.4–3.59 | A- | 85%–89.99% |
| 3.2–3.39 | B+ | 80%–84.99% |
| 3.0–3.19 | B | 75%–79.99% |
| 2.8–2.99 | B- | 70%–74.99% |
| 2.6–2.79 | C+ | 65%–69.99% |
| 2.4–2.59 | C | 60%–64.99% |
| 2.2–2.39 | C- | 55%–59.99% |
| 2.0–2.19 | D+ | 50%–54.99% |
| 1.8–1.99 | D | 45%–49.99% |
| Below 1.8 | F | Below 45% |
Academic Honesty
Students are expected to demonstrate honesty and integrity while in attendance at WSSB. Each student is expected to do their own work. This includes test taking, homework, class assignments and the original creation of essays, compositions, and other school work. All work submitted by students should be a true reflection of their effort and ability.
Definition of Cheating and Academic Dishonesty
- Copying tests, quizzes, or homework
- Plagiarism
- Sharing or sending test answers/information
- Using unapproved notes or electronic devices during assessments
- Submitting identical homework/classwork answers
- Unauthorized collaboration on individual assignments
Consequences for Academic Dishonesty
- First offense/low level: Student redoes the assignment for partial or full credit based on teacher discretion. Teacher notifies parent by phone call or email. Teacher documents in Student of Concern Referral. Teacher checks in one week from the incident. Should the infraction be on a retake, the original grade will stand and the retake opportunity is lost.
- Second offense in the same class or major assignment: Student may redo the assignment for partial or full credit. A parent conference is coordinated with the principal, and the incident is documented in Skyward. Should the infraction be on a retake, the original grade will stand and the retake opportunity is lost.
- Multiple offenses in the same class or assignment with significant impact on grade: Student may redo the assignment for partial credit. A one-day in-school suspension is assigned, and the incident is documented as a major offense. Should the infraction be on a retake, the original grade will stand and the retake opportunity is lost.
- Persistent offenses in one or more classes: Student receives zero credit for the assignment. A two-day in-school suspension is assigned, and the incident is documented.
Teacher Responsibilities
- Must discuss the incident with the student and parent before making a formal discipline referral.
AI Use and Expectations
Introduction
As technology evolves, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in education has become increasingly common. While AI can enhance learning and support academic endeavors, it is essential to maintain integrity and honesty in all academic work. This policy outlines the expectations for students regarding the ethical use of AI in their studies.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to:
- Promote academic integrity in the use of AI tools.
- Provide clear guidelines for students on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI.
- Foster a culture of honesty, respect, and responsibility in academic work.
Definitions
- AI Tools: Any software or application that uses artificial intelligence to generate, analyze, or assist in the creation of content (for example, writing assistance, code generation, data analysis).
- Academic Integrity: The commitment to honesty and ethical behavior in academic work, including the avoidance of plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of dishonesty.
Acceptable Uses
- Research Assistance: Using AI to gather information, summarize articles, or understand complex concepts, provided that the student engages critically with the material.
- Idea Generation: Using AI for brainstorming or generating ideas as a starting point for original work.
- Drafting Support: Using AI tools to help draft outlines or structure for essays, but ensuring that the final product is the student’s own work and perspective.
- Accessibility: Using AI tools for increased accessibility in performing tasks that enhance the learning objective of those tasks.
Unacceptable Uses
- Plagiarism: Submitting AI-generated content as one’s own without proper citation or acknowledgment.
- Completion of Assignments: Using AI to produce work that is intended to be completed independently, such as essays, reports, or projects.
- Misrepresentation: Presenting AI-generated ideas or solutions as the student’s original thoughts or efforts.
Responsibilities
Students
- Acknowledge the use of AI tools in their work where applicable.
- Ensure that their submissions reflect their own understanding and creativity.
- Familiarize themselves with the capabilities and limitations of AI tools to use them effectively and ethically.
Educators
- Provide guidance on the ethical use of AI in academic work.
- Offer instruction on proper citation practices and the importance of academic integrity.
- Encourage critical thinking and originality in student work.
- Monitor use of AI tools so that use is not in conflict with other school rules or policies.
Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary actions in alignment with academic honesty guidelines.
Supplies and Materials
Students will be provided with supplies needed to meet their individualized needs and provide reasonable accommodations for necessary tools to be successful and participate in learning at WSSB. School supplies that a student has preference for should be purchased and brought to school for use. Personal computers are permitted for use at school, however, students will be issued their own device for completing school work.
Students may use lockers to keep their materials and personal possessions. WSSB cannot be responsible for lost items on campus.
Technology
The WSSB technology system has been provided to support the educational programs of WSSB. The use of technology must primarily be related to class work, projects/research under the guidance of an instructor. By logging into any computer, school issued device, or access on the school’s network, all students agree to abide by WSSB’s Acceptable Use Policy. Students using the WSSB’s system must agree to, and comply with, the following:
- Respecting others: Never use WSSB’s computers to convey profanity, abusive language, derision, threats, racial or sexual innuendoes. Do not use someone else’s school account and never allow others to use your device.
- Acceptable content: Students should never access, download, store, or distribute obscene, pornographic or sexually explicit material.
- Vandalism: Attempts to modify or crash the school network, workstation or equipment will be treated as acts of vandalism.
- Copyright law: Under no circumstances are you to install, store or email executable programs using the school’s computers. This extends to all executable files, including those with: exe, zip, scr, com, bat, pif extension, etc.
Any violation(s) of the above rules may result in loss of computer privileges and disciplinary action.