Early Graduation Policy (Staff Only)

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Policy Overview

This policy outlines the requirements and procedures for students who wish to graduate at the end of 11th grade (spring semester). Students seeking to graduate earlier must obtain approval from the Instructional Leadership Team. The purpose of this policy is to ensure that students are fully prepared for their next steps—whether pursuing higher education, vocational training, or entering the workforce.

 

Eligibility Criteria

Students wishing to graduate early must:

  1. Meet with their counselor at least by the Spring of their 10th-grade year.
  2. Complete 3 Lessons in Xello including “Planning My Future.”
  3. Students would need at least 120 credits toward graduation after the end of 10th grade.
  4. Meet one of the College and Career Indicator (CCI) requirements (Approaching).
  5. Follow up with their counselor to discuss the results and their plan.

 

Internal process

Procedure

  1. HST Early Grad Survey
    1. HST would fill out an early grad survey letting us know they have a student interested in graduating early
  2. Counselor Meeting
    1. Students must schedule and attend a meeting with their counselor by at least the spring of their 10th-grade year.
    2. During this meeting, students will discuss their academic progress, career goals, and the feasibility of early graduation.
  3. Academic Requirements
    1. Students must have earned at least 120 credits by the end of 10th grade
    2. All required courses and credits must be completed according to the school’s graduation requirements.
  4. College and Career Indicator (CCI)
    1. Students must meet at least one of the CCI criteria, which includes:
      1. Completion of A-G course requirements with a C- or better
      2. Completion of a CTE pathway
      3. Completion of 1 college course (3 units or more) with a C- or better
  5. Xello Participation (Lessons Created in Xello)
    1. Students must engage with Xello, an online career and college planning tool.
    2. Students should complete the “Matchmaker” as their first pre-requisite.
    3. Results from Xello activities will be saved for counselor review.
    4. Students would complete all 3 Lessons in Xello
    5. In Xello, Students will finish lesson 3, detailing a plan outlining their post-graduation goals and steps to achieve them. This plan will include:
      1. Higher education aspirations (e.g., colleges, majors)
      2. Career goals and pathways
      3. Vocational training options (if applicable)
      4. Immediate employment plans (if applicable)

 

  1. Follow-Up Counselor Meeting
    1. After completing the Xello Lessons, students must schedule a follow-up meeting with their counselor to review their “What’s Next” plan and career options.
    2. Encouragement of Personal Finance Course (2027-28 will become a requirement to graduate) (starting to offer, graduating 30-31).
    3. Students are highly encouraged to complete a Personal Finance (5 credit) course to ensure they are prepared for financial responsibilities post-graduation.

 

Implementation and Review

– The policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it meets the needs of students and aligns with educational standards.

– Counselors will be responsible for monitoring the progress of students pursuing early graduation and providing guidance throughout the process.

 

Example Work In Xello

Lesson 1:

Pre-Req: Match Maker

Graduating in 11th Grade: Completing Your College and Career Indicator (CCI)

To be eligible for graduation in 11th grade, you must complete at least one area of the College and Career Indicators (CCI). This is a crucial step in ensuring you are prepared for life after high school, whether your path leads to college, career training, or another opportunity.

How Can I Complete My College and Career Indicator (CCI)?

To fulfill this requirement, you must meet at least one of the following CCI criteria, at the “Approaching Prepared” level:

  • Completion of A-G Course Requirements: You must pass all A-G courses (the series of classes required for UC/CSU eligibility) with a grade of C- or better.
  • Completion of a CTE Pathway: Finish a Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway, which includes a series of classes that focus on a specific career or trade.
  • Completion of a College Course: Successfully complete at least 1 college course (3 units or more) with a C- or better.

Assignment: Planning Your CCI Completion

Write in detail how, and when, you plan to complete at least one of these College and Career Indicators. Be specific and address the following:

  • Which indicator do you plan to complete?
  • (A-G courses, a CTE pathway, or a college course?)
  • Why did you choose this indicator?
  • (How does it align with your career or academic goals?)
  • What is your timeline for completion?
  • (Include specific deadlines for courses, exams, or projects. Will you complete this during the school year, over the summer, or through an early college program?)
  • What steps will you take to ensure success?

(Consider study plans, resources, support from teachers or counselors, etc.)

By thoughtfully planning how and when you will complete your chosen CCI, you will not only stay on track for early graduation but also better prepare yourself for future college or career opportunities.

 

Lesson 2:

Pre-Req: Personality Style, 3 saved Careers, 3 Saved Schools, 3 Saved Majors

You have completed Matchmaker, Personality Style, and saved 3 Careers, 3 Schools, and 3 Majors. Now, reflect on what you’ve learned and write about the following:

Personality Styles

  • Write a paragraph about what you learned from exploring your personality style. How does your personality align with your future goals?
  • Discuss how your personality might influence your career path, work environment preferences, or collaboration style with others.
  • Reflect on whether your personality style helped you better understand yourself and how you might use this knowledge in school, college, or your career.

Saved Careers: For each of the 3 careers you saved, write about:

  • Why you chose it: What interests you about this career?
  • What you like most about this career.
  • Salary range: What is the typical salary, and how does that impact your decision?
  • Career outlook: How in-demand is this career?
  • Your favorite career: Which one of the three stands out the most and why?
  • Dream career: What is your dream career, and why (this doesn’t have to be one of the 3 saved)?
  • Bonus: Research any additional skills, certifications, or degrees needed for your dream career and write a few sentences on how you can begin preparing for it now.

Saved Schools: For each of the 3 schools you saved, write about:

  • Why you picked it: What stood out to you about the school?
  • What you like most about the school: This could include the campus, academic programs, student life, location, etc.
  • Tuition cost: How much does it cost to attend? Consider in-state vs. out-of-state costs.
  • Favorite school: Which one is your favorite, and why?
  • College plans: Where do you plan on going to college, and how did your saved schools influence this decision? (This doesn’t have to be from Xello).
  • Bonus: Look into scholarships or financial aid opportunities at your favorite school and briefly describe one you might be eligible for.

Saved Majors: For each of the 3 majors you saved, write about:

  • Why you picked it: What interests you about this major?
  • What you like about it: Are there specific courses, career opportunities, or skills you would gain from this major?
  • Career paths: How do these majors relate to the careers you are considering?
  • Bonus: Research a professional in your field of interest, and write a few sentences about their career journey or achievements.

Lesson 3:

Pre-Req: Skills Lab

Skill Lab Career Reflection and Planning

Reflection on Skill Lab Career Results:

  • How did your Skill Lab career results match your previous career exploration results?
  • Were there any careers that stood out to you in both sets of results?
  • Did any new career options emerge that you hadn’t considered before?
  • Did using your skillset help confirm or change your decision on your career results?
  • Explain how identifying your strengths and skills influenced your career choices.
  • Did this lead you to feel more confident about a particular career path, or did it open your eyes to new opportunities?

Detailed Plan: What’s Next?

Creating Your Post-Graduation Plan:

  • Which college, trade school, or job are you planning to pursue after graduation?
  • Write about your top choices and why you selected them.
  • Include details such as location, program specifics, and how they align with your career goals.
  • Application Process:
  • When do you plan to apply?
  • Are there application deadlines you need to meet?
  • Have you researched what’s required for the application (essays, recommendations, etc.)?
  • Do you need help preparing any materials?

Financial Aid and Scholarships:

  • When are you completing Financial Aid for college or trade school?
  • Write down the deadlines for completing the FAFSA or any state-specific financial aid applications (e.g., California Dream Act).
  • Are there any scholarships or grants you’re applying for?
  • Do you need help from your counselor, family, or financial aid office to complete the forms?

Major or Industry Choice:

  • Which major or industry are you planning to pursue?
  • Explain why you chose this major or industry and how it connects to your skills and career goals.
  • Do you feel confident about your choice, or are you still exploring your options?

Support and Follow-Up

  • What do you need help with?
  • Are there specific areas where you feel uncertain or need guidance?
  • Examples: Filling out applications, choosing a major, understanding financial aid, or meeting graduation requirements.
  • Make a list of questions or concerns that you would like to address during your next meeting with your counselor.

Schedule a Meeting with Your Counselor:

  • Set a date to review your post-graduation plan, including applications, financial aid, and any other areas where you need support.
  • If you’re applying for early graduation, make sure to include a discussion about your progress and readiness.
  • Review your application for early graduation.
  • Confirm that you’re on track to meet all requirements.

Final Thoughts

This plan will guide you through the essential next steps as you move toward graduation and your future goals. Remember that this is an evolving process—you can adjust your plans as you gain new information or change your mind. Use the support available to you, including your counselor, family, and school resources, to help ensure your success.