Graduation Requirements
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Tennessee Diploma Project: Graduation Requirements
Beginning next school year, the Tennessee Department of Education will implement the Tennessee Diploma Project (TDP), a broad overhaul of standards and curriculum designed to challenge students and better prepare them for college and the workforce.
Students beginning high school in Fall 2009 will begin a new path with increased graduation requirements from 20 credits to 22, a focus on the skills needed for college and the workforce in an ever expanding global economy, and new assessments.
Gateway Exams in high school will be replaced by end-of-course exams that truly test the mastery of expectations leading to college- and work-readiness. The overall assessment system includes the ACT’s College and Readiness Test, Explore (given in the 8th grade) and the PLAN College Readiness Test given in the 10th grade.
Tennessee Graduation Requirements
Current Basic High School Requirements
Requirements for Students Beginning High School in Fall 2009
TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED: 20
TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED: 22
MATH: 3 Credits
Including either Geometry or Algebra IIMATH: 4 Credits
Including Algebra I, II, Geometry and a fourth higher level math courseSCIENCE: 3 Credits
Including one physical science course and BiologySCIENCE: 3 Credits
Including Biology, Chemistry or Physics, and a third lab courseENGLISH: 4 Credits
ENGLISH: 4 Credits
SOCIAL STUDIES: 3 Credits
SOCIAL STUDIES: 3 Credits
WELLNESS: 1 Credit
PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND WELLNESS:
1.5 CreditsPERSONAL FINANCE: .5 Credits
ELECTIVE: 6 Credits
FOREIGN LANGUAGE: 2 Credits
FINE ARTS: 1 Credit
May be waived for students not going to a University to expand and enhance the elective focusELECTIVE FOCUS: 3 Credits
Math and Science, Career and Technical Education, Fine Arts, Humanities, Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB)
