New HS Graduation Requirements

Now that school has started – check out the new High School graduation requirements for South Dakota.

Recognizing that success looks different for each student, the 2018 graduation requirements give school districts more flexibility to assist students in meeting their individual academic and career goals. Along with that, the 2018 graduation requirements allow more occasions for students to explore postsecondary opportunities and work-based learning experiences while they are still in high school. Starting in the fall of 2018, a soft implementation of the 2018 graduation requirements begins. This means school districts have the following options:

A. Fully implement the 2018 requirements, working with students to align with the base and endorsements;
B. Continue on as before, implementing the 2009 requirements;
C. Implement both at the same time, allowing students the 2018 requirements flexibility on a case-by-case basis but overall aligning the district’s requirements with the 2009 requirements.Implementation will not be staggered, so will cover students grades 9-12. Students who have been on track to graduate with the 2009 graduation requirements are still on track to graduate utilizing the 2018 graduation requirements.

By fall of 2020, a full implementation of the 2018 graduation requirements will take effect, requiring accredited schools to list advanced endorsements earned on student transcripts.