Mathematics Graduation Requirements

All public high school students are required to meet statewide graduation requirements in order to earn a diploma. Specific graduation requirements exist for mathematics now and will change for the class of 2013 and beyond. This page serves to inform families, students, and educators about those requirements.

Students in the classes of 2011 and 2012 who have passed the WASL or the HSPE and have earned two credits of high school mathematics have met the graduation requirements for mathematics.

If a student in the classes of 2011 and 2012 has not passed the WASL or HSPE, there are several options available. They are:

• Pass one end-of-course assessment in algebra 1/ integrated mathematics 1 or geometry/integrated mathematics 2; or
• Pass one end-of-course makeup assessment in algebra 1/integrated mathematics1 or geometry/integrated mathematics 2; or
• Complete and pass a CAA alternative option; or
• Earn two high school mathematics credits after 10th grade.

In order to meet mathematics graduation requirements, students in the classes of 2013 and 2014 must do the following:

• Earn three credits from high school level math courses or earn credits in the relevant career and technical education (CTE) equivalent courses; and
• Pass one* end-of-course exam in algebra 1/integrated mathematics 1 OR geometry/integrated mathematics 2; OR
• Complete and pass a CAA alternative option.

*Superintendent Dorn will be asking the 2011 legislature to allow students in the class of 2013 and 2014 to only pass one end-of-course assessment in order to meet this part of the mathematics graduation requirement.

Third credit of mathematics – FAQ
The State Board of Education has provided this FAQ in order to address questions related to the new third credit of mathematics required for students in the class of 2013.

Sample form for alternative third credit in mathematics (PDF) (Word)
If students want to take a course other than algebra 2 or integrated mathematics 3 for their third math credit, they must choose a course that is based on a career-oriented program of study identified in their high school and beyond plan; meet with a high school representative and their parent/guardian to discuss their goals and the admission requirement of two- and four-year colleges; and sign a form acknowledging the above.

End-of-Course
End-of-course exams for high school math will debut in spring 2011 as required by state law RCW 28A.655.066. These EOC exams will replace the math High School Proficiency Exam and be given within the last three weeks of the school year.

New college requirement in mathematics for students of the class of 2012 and beyond (PDF)
Students in the class of 2012 and beyond applying for successful admission to a Washington State university are required to take mathematics as a senior. Further details are given in this Higher Education Coordinating Board document.