General Information
GENERAL INFORMATION
GraduationRequirements
- Students are required to pass the California High School Exit Exam.
- To graduate from high school, a student must pass Algebra I.
- Additionally, to graduate from high school, a student must earn a total of 220 units during grades 9-12.
- Included in the required 220 units must be passing grades for the subject areas listed below.
English– 40 units. Science – 20 units, including:
a. 10 units in Earth/Physical Science or the year course
Social Studies– 30 units, including of Chemistry or Physics.
a. 10 units of Modern World History, Culture b. 10 units in Biology/Life Science or Human
and Geography in grade 10. Anatomy and Physiology-P or agricultural science classes.
b. 10 units of US History in grade 11.
c. 5 units of Government in grade 12. Physical Education – 20 units, including 10 in grade 9.
d. 5 units of Economics in grade 12.
Mathematics– 20 units Fine Arts – 10 units or Foreign Language – 10 units.
Health – 5 units in grade 9. (Fine Arts courses include Music, Art, Drama,
Photography, or the class Architectural Design.)
Repeated Courses
Students who repeat core classes (English, mathematics, social studies, science and foreign language) in which they have received a “C” or “D” receive credit twice. Both grades are entered on a student’s transcripts and are used in calculating the student’s GPA. The second units are credited as an elective.
Grade Level Placement Requirements
Students must have the following minimum number of units at the start of the school year for the respective grade level designation:
50 units: Sophomore Standing 105 units: Junior Standing 160 units (fall) or 180 units (spring): Senior Standing
Computing Grade Point Average
A student receives five semester credits or units for each class during a semester in which a passing grade (A, B, C, D) is earned. The cumulative grade point average is computed by awarding grade points (A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0) for classes with the exception that the scale, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=1, is used for classes accepted by the University of California for Honors or Advanced Placement.
A student’s GPA for admission to the UC and CSU system is computed using classes taken in the 10th and 11th grades, which are on the approved “a-g” courses list. Students are expected to continue with a similar or higher GPA in their senior year for admission to the UC/CSU system.
Determining Class Rank & Valedictorian
- For purposes of class rank, a weighted 5.0 scale is used.
- The class valedictorian for each high school is the individual(s) with the highest GPA based on a weighted 5.0 scale.
Extra Curricular Eligibility
All students in grades 7-12 who participate in extra-curricular or co-curricular activities must be currently enrolled in a minimum of (5) semester periods (courses). In addition, they must demonstrate satisfactory academic performance and satisfactory progress towards meeting graduation requirements. Eligibility is also dependent upon the student maintaining a minimum grade point average of 2.00 in all courses.
A 2.00 grade point average in all courses means that all courses in which the student is enrolled are included in the computation. This computation uses a 4.00 scale for the grade of A. A student can receive an F grade and still be scholastically eligible to participate in extra-curricular or co-curricular activities.
Appeals to this procedure are initiated by the student submitting a written request for appeal to the site principal or the Special Education case manager when appropriate. The Principal or designated site administrator (athletic director) screens all requests for appeal by examining three criteria: 1) The student must have earned a minimum GPA of 1.5 for the prior grading period. Any GPA under 1.5 must reflect a sudden drop after a sustained period of 2.0 or higher. 2) Attendance patterns may not reflect an abusive pattern of unexcused absences or truancy. 3) The discipline file may not reflect a history of significant behavioral problems or continuous disciplinary referrals. Requests for appeals must be made within five school days after report cards are issued. Students will be granted only one appeal hearing during their high school tenure.
Transcripts and Records
College applications, and sometimes a job application, require that students send a copy of their school grade record. Transcripts are maintained in the Registrar’s Office located in the central Administration Building of each school site.
Students can request that transcripts be sent to another school, by completing a transcript request form in the Registrar’s Office. A request to send records for jobs, scholarship programs, and other special programs will require that a “release of records form” be signed by the parent or guardian. If the student is 18 years of age, he/she may sign the release form. Please allow three days for these requests to be processed. A fee may be incurred after the fifth request.
Scheduling Policy
Vacaville Unified School District schedules students into classes without regard to race, creed, color, sex, religion, or handicap. The inability to speak the English language is not a barrier to enrollment or participation in a vocational program.
Poliza de Programación
El Vacaville Unified School District programa a los estudiantes sin tener en cuenta su raza, creencia, color, sexo, religión, o desvantaja. La incapacidad de hablar el idioma inglés no impedirá la matriculación o participación en un programa vocacional.
Alternative Credits Toward Graduation
Any student wishing to use an alternative means for completing the prescribed course of study must secure the prior written approval of the principal, or his/her designee, or the school granting the diploma.
1. Supervised Work Experience Education (Ed Code 51760, 46144, 49110-49118; CCR 10070)
Students shall be granted up to 10 credits in any one semester or a total of 40 credits for supervised work experience education. At the time of enrollment, the student must be at least 16 years of age or met one or more of the following conditions:
a. The student is enrolled in grade 11 or a higher grade.
b. The principal of the school in which the student is enrolled certifies that the student is in need of immediate work experience education in order to pursue employment opportunities.
c. The principal of the school in which the student is enrolled certifies that there is a probability that the student will no longer be enrolled as a full time student without being provided the opportunity to enroll in a work experience education program.
d. The student’s individualized education program prescribes the type of training for which participation in a work experience program is deemed appropriate.
During enrollment in the program, the student must receive as a minimum the equivalent of one instructional period per week of classroom instruction or counseling by a certificated employee. The instruction or counseling shall be offered in sessions scheduled intermittently throughout the semester.
2. Distance Learning (Ed Code 51865)
“Students who opt to register for an online college preparatory course, must submit a copy of the course content to the administration. The school administration must examine this information and determine if the course meets the University of California “a” through “g” requirements. Failure to get this approval from the school administration will result in the student not receiving college preparatory credit for the course.”
Students shall be granted up to 10 credits in any one semester or a total of 40 credits for individualized study in a particular area of interest or in a subject not currently available in the regular school curriculum when provided by an accredited distance learning institution.
Instruction during which the student and instructor are in different locations and interact through the use of computer and communications technology is defined as distance learning. Distance learning may include video or audio instruction in which the primary mode of communication between student and instructor is instructional television, video, telecourses, or any other instruction that relies on computer or communications technology. Distance learning coursework must address, but may not be limited to, the following high priority educational needs:
a. The enhancement of work force skills and competency.
b. The enhancement of curriculum to meet the needs of high-risk students.
c. Expansion of course offerings in subjects that include, but are not limited to, foreign languages, science, and mathematics.
3. Vacaville Unified School District Partial Credit Policy for Students Entering Late or Students Leaving Early
General Principle: Classes run for a semester and the expectation is that students will receive either five (5) or zero (0) credits. Counseling Departments at the traditional high schools will operate on a 5 or 0 credits policy EXCEPT for students who have not been enrolled for the full semester. All students who either enter late and/or leave early will be allowed partial credit based upon the amount of days enrolled. Students must receive a passing grade in the course. The schedule is as follows:
Number of Days Enrolled Credits Earned
11 .5
12-23 1
24-34 1.5
35-43 2
44-49 2.5
50-56 3
57-63 3.5
64-71 4
72-79 4.5
80-90 5
Partial credit will only result when a student has not been enrolled for the entire semester (CA Ed Code 48645.5). According to AB 490 a foster youth will not be penalized for absences due to placement changes, court appearances, or related court ordered activities. When a student leaves their high school early, withdrawal grades and withdrawal credits will be posted on their transcript.
4. California Community College or Four-year College (Ed Code 48800; CCR 1630)
Students shall be granted credit for coursework successfully completed at a community or state college provided that:
a. The student makes written application for the credit.
b. The course subject is included in the high school course of study.
c. The student has not graduated from college and requests that the credit be disallowed by the authorities of the college as credit toward graduation from college.
d. The credit is allowed at the rate of 3 â
(three and one-third) semester credits for each credit hour earned in college. (Ed Code 51740)
Guidelines for community college admission are provided in AR 6250, Community College Special Admission Program.
5. Correspondence Instruction (Ed Code 51740; CCR 1633)
Students shall be granted credit, not to exceed 40 credits, for correspondence instruction coursework successfully completed under the following conditions:
a. The University of California, or other universities or colleges in California accredited for teacher training, provides the correspondence instruction in subjects included within or related to the course of study offered in the school.
b. The student is, for good reason, unable to take the course of study offered in the school.
c. The principal or designee determines the number of credits for successful completion of a particular correspondence course in accordance with the guidelines provided in AR 6250, Community College Special Admission Program.
6. Private Instruction (CCR 1631)
Students may be granted credit, not to exceed 40 credits, for private instruction through an accredited institution, including public and private colleges and universities, in subjects included in the District’s course of study. These courses may be taken on campus and/or through correspondence or distance learning. Examinations will be given under the direction and supervision of the school administrator or his/her designee. Students may be required to provide evidence of satisfactory progress during the private instruction.
7. Private School Foreign Language Instruction (Ed Code 51243)
Students shall be granted credit, not to exceed 40 credits, for successfully completing private school foreign language courses if the following conditions are met:
a. The courses are in the following languages: Chinese, French, German, Greek (classical and modern), Hebrew (classical and modern), Italian, Japanese, Jewish, Latin, Spanish, and Russian, or other languages designated by the State Board of Education.
b. The student or parent/guardian applies in writing for the credit, specifies the private school attended and the amount of level of credit requested, and submits written evidence from the private school showing that the student successfully completed the course.
c. The amount of credit sought equals at least one semester’s work.
d. The principal or designee determines that the student’s achievement is equivalent to that expected of a student of comparable ability taking the same or similar instruction in district schools.
8. Vacaville Unified School District Adult School (Ed Code 52500)
Concurrent students enrolled under BP 6200 (b) may earn adult school credit.
PROGRAMS
Adult Education. Students attending regular day sessions may be admitted and receive credit in adult classes at the discretion of the principal of the regular day school of attendance and the Adult School principal. Concurrently enrolled high school students shall meet the regular day school graduation requirements.
AVID. This is a series of courses at WCW for students who have average to above average grades who would like to go to college. In-class tutoring is provided two days per week. One day per week is spent on motivational activities, either campus visits or career speakers. The other two days are spent on strategies for success, such as note-taking skills, organizational skills, tips for taking standardized tests, and writing practice. Students are recruited from teacher recommendations. Students may be, but are not limited to, low income, under-represented minorities or first generation college students. They are expected to stay in the AVID program throughout their high school years. The senior AVID course is a college prep elective.
Career Center. The Career Center at each site maintains an extensive library of college catalogs, and occupational and vocational materials. Students can explore career choices through the use of audiovisual materials, career testing, and a wide variety of printed material. College representatives, military recruiters, and representatives from various occupational areas are scheduled throughout the year to speak with interested students in the Career Center. Information on college scholarships and financial aid programs are available from Career Centers.
Construction Trades Academy. Will C. Wood High School provides students an opportunity to explore construction business related careers through contextual, hands-on, and/or rigorous curriculum that prepares students for direct entry into college, apprenticeship programs, and or entry level careers.
Gifted and Talented Education (GATE). GATE serves identified GATE students. Advanced placement, honors and accelerated classes serve students who have been referred by teachers or parents and are found to be eligible because of: 1) high achievement; 2) specific academic ability; 3) intellectual ability; or 4) talent in visual and performing arts.
English Language Learner Program. Structured English Immersion classes are available for non-English proficient students who have been enrolled in California schools for less than one year. English Language Development classes are available for individuals with English language development needs. The focus of these classes is on the development of language acquisition through the use of instructional approaches designed to meet the students’ needs. In addition, students may receive language support in other courses to allow them to complete graduation requirements.
Independent Study (isp) - Is a voluntary K-12 program. High school students who complete the Vacaville Unified School District’s graduation requirements receive a diploma from their school of residence: either Will C. Wood or Vacaville High School. Since students work independently, meeting for just one hour a week with their ISP teacher, it is crucial for parents or guardians to be active participants in their student’s learning. Although this non-traditional instructional strategy is not appropriate for every student, it is an excellent option for those students who possess the basic reading fluency, self-discipline and motivation required for success in Independent Study.
Link Crew. The transition to high school can pose challenges for students. The goal of the Link Crew program at VHS and WCW is to assist freshmen in the transition to a new campus and realize a high level of success in their first year. Built on the belief that students can help each other succeed, juniors and seniors are trained to be peer mentors to ninth graders and continue support throughout the school year. Mentors are positive role models and motivators who organize and conduct the Freshmen Orientation, promote school spirit and activities for ninth graders and provide after school tutoring. Link Crew also is a course that teaches the Core Team Members leadership, communication and presentation skills. All freshmen have a mentor who personally follows their progress and provides individual support and encouragement.
Regional Occupational Programs (rop). ROP offers classes utilizing the “hands-on” approach to learning. A student learns by actually working with the goods, services and equipment used in the industry. Major emphasis is on the development of skills and knowledge required in actual job situations. Students must be at least 16 years of age. Credits earned in the ROP classes carry the same credits as other high school classes.
Special Education. Special Education courses are provided for students who have exceptional learning needs and who have an active individualized educational plan (IEP). Turn to the Course Description section for a general description of all course contents, including specific courses in the Special Education section. Specific course outlines are available at your student's school site. Specific areas of individual emphasis, course selection, and pacing may be discussed with the student's IEP team.
COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Community College:
Admission to California community colleges is open to anyone who is a high school graduate, has a high school equivalency certificate, or is 18 years of age or older, and shows evidence of being able to benefit from instruction. Community colleges also admit students in 9-12 grades for educational enrichment with prior written approval of their school (principal/counselor) and parent/guardian. All inquiries concerning application, admission and registration should be sent to the direction of the office of admissions and records.
California State University:
Undergraduate Admission – Qualification for admission based upon:
- Graduation from high school
- Having met the ACT/SAT eligibility index with grade point average and test scores
- Additional educational requirements may be required for impacted programs.
Subject Requirements – Have or will have completed with a grade of “C” or better the following pattern of courses, known as the a-g subject requirements, which total 15 units: (A “unit” is one year of study in high school.)
- 4 years: College prep English
- 3 years: College prep Mathematics (Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry; 4 years recommended)
- 2 years: College prep Social Studies (including 1 year of US history or
1 semester US history and 1 semester of Government and two semesters of history/social studies from either
the "a" or "g" subject areas.) - 2 years: Science with laboratory (including 1 year physical science and 1 year of biological science, one of which must
be from the "d" subject area with the other from either "d" or "g." - 2 years: Language other than English (2 years in same language).
- 1 year: Visual and performing arts (art, dance, drama/theatre, or music)
- 1 year: College prep electives chosen from the subject areas listed above
University of California:
Students applying to any the University of California (UC) sites have or will have completed with a minimum grade of “C” or bettering both semesters of a year-long a-g course. The University of California sets the following sequence of high school courses (a-g requirements) as the minimum to be eligible for admission and as the minimum academic preparation students are expected to achieve in high school before undertaking university level work. The a-g requirements are:
- 2 years: College prep history/social science. One year of US history or 1 semester of US history and 1 semester of civics or American Government; and one year of world history, cultures, and geography.
- 4 years: College prep English.
- 3 years: College prep mathematics (Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry; 4 years recommended).
- 2 years: Science with laboratory (including at least 2 of the 3 core disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics; both
from the "d" subject area; 3 years recommended) - 2 years: Language other than English. (Must be the same language; 3 years recommended)
- 1 year: Visual and performing arts (art, dance, drama/theatre, or music).
One year-long course in the same discipline. - 1 year (2 semesters): College prep electives chosen from visual and performing arts, history, social science, English, advanced mathematics, laboratory science, and language other than English.
Students must have the minimum ACT/SAT eligibility index with grade point average and test scores. Entrance tests must include ACT Assessment with writing or SAT Reasoning Test and two different SAT subject tests. The SAT subject tests are in the areas of history/social science, English literature, mathematics, laboratory science or language other than English.
PLANNING A FOUR-YEAR PROGRAM: In planning your four-year program, it is the student’s responsibility to include all required courses. Use the chart below to plan a tentative program. This plan should be re-evaluated each semester as course requirements are completed, and as the student begins to make specific plans for the years after high school. The courses already included in the plan are courses that should be scheduled in the year indicated.
PLANNING FOR GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
|
9TH GRADE |
10TH GRADE |
11TH GRADE |
12TH GRADE |
|
ENGLISH 9 |
ENGLISH 10 |
ENGLISH 11 |
ENGLISH 12 |
|
HEALTH (1 sem) |
WORLD HISTORY |
US HISTORY |
AM GOV (1 sem) |
|
PE |
PE |
|
ECONOMICS (1 sem) |
|
MATH |
MATH |
|
|
One year of the following additional required courses must be scheduled at some time during grades 9-12: physical science, biology/life science, fine arts or foreign language.
ASSESSMENTS
California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE)
California public school students must pass the CAHSEE in order to receive their high school diplomas. This graduation requirement was authorized by California Education Code 60851, which became state law in 1999. The purpose of the CAHSEE is to ensure that students who graduate from high school can demonstrate grade-level competency in the state content standards for reading, writing, and mathematics. Tenth grade students have one opportunity to take the CAHSEE during the school year. Students in 11th grade who have not yet passed both parts of the exam, have two opportunities to take the test and twelfth grade students have five opportunities. Testing dates are published by the California Department of Education each school year. CAHSEE information is posted on the Internet at http://www.cde.ca.gov/statetests/cahsee/.
California Standardized Testing and Reporting Program (STAR):
One part of the state testing system is the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program. This program, administered annually, was authorized in 1997 by state law (CCR, Title 5. Div. 1, Ch 2, §3.75 ). The purpose of the STAR Program is to measure how well students are learning basic academic skills. The results from STAR may be used for placement in academic classes. All students in grades 2-11 take the STAR test.
The STAR program includes four elements:
- The California Standards Tests (CST) are a major component of the STAR program. The CSTs are developed by California educators and test developers specifically for California. They measure grade 2-11 students’ progress toward achieving California’s state-adopted academic content standards, which describe what students should know and be able to do in each grade and subject tested. Grade 7 students will complete a writing assignment as part of the ELA test.
- The Standards-Based Tests (STS) in Spanish are multiple-choice tests that are required for Spanish-speaking English learners. The STS is administered to students in grades 2-11 and to students who meet the criteria for taking the end-of-course Algebra I and Geometry tests. Items on these tests are developed by bilingual, biliterate California educators and test developers, and are written specifically to assess students’ achievement of California’s content standards in reading/language arts and mathematics.
- The California Modified Assessment (CMA) is a grade-level test administered to students who have an individualized education plan (IEP), are receiving grade-level instruction, and, even with interventions, will not achieve grade-level proficiency within the year covered by the student’s IEP. The purpose of the CMA test is to allow students with disabilities a greater opportunity to demonstrate their achievement of the California content standards in English-language arts, mathematics, and science. Eligible students in grades 7 will complete a writing assessment as part of the CMA English-language arts test.
- The California Alternate Performance Assessment (CAPA) is administered to students in grades 2-11 students who have an individualized education plan (IEP), with significant cognitive disabilities, and who are unable to take the California Standards Tests or the California Modified Assessment.
STAR information and results are posted on the Internet at http://www.cde.ca.gov/statests/star/.
Advanced Placement Examinations :
AP courses offer a cost-effective way for high school students to obtain college-level coursework experience and credit. Students successfully completing AP courses may take the College Entrance Examination Board’s Advanced Placement Examinations to receive college credit and to qualify for AP Scholar Awards. The following AP courses are offered during the 2008-2009 school year:
- AP English Language and Composition (Will C. Wood and Vacaville High School)
- AP English Literature and Composition (Will C. Wood and Vacaville High Schools)
- AP Calculus AB (Will C. Wood and Vacaville High Schools)
- AP Statistics (Will C. Wood High School)
- AP Chemistry (Vacaville High School)
- AP Physics B (Will C. Wood and Vacaville High Schools)
- AP United States History (Will C. Wood and Vacaville High Schools)
- AP Studio Art: 2-D Design (Will C. Wood High School)
- AP Spanish Language (Vacaville High School)
- AP Art History (Vacaville High School)
