Graduation Requirements
Graduation Requirements and Academic Information 
The GBSD Board of Education believes all students should be provided a rigorous and relevant course of study to prepare them for success in college and the workforce in a 21st century global society. The K-12 educational program will provide all students experiences that require the application of academic and problem solving skills in real world, applied settings. As such, the diploma awarded from Gresham High School certifies that the student has successfully completed the requirements of the school district. In order to earn a diploma, students are expected to be in attendance for 8 semesters and must attend a minimum of half time during the last semester of their senior year. Exceptions may be granted by the district for students who have been approved for early graduation.
A unit of credit is based upon 130 clock hours of instruction per unit. A student generally earns 1.0 unit of credit by taking and passing a class for the entire year. One half (.5) unit of credit is earned by successfully completing a class for one semester.
Gresham-Barlow School District recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups. It is the policy of this district and the board of education that there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups in any educational programs, activities or employment. Gresham-Barlow provides equal access to individuals with disabilities.
REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATING CLASSES OF 2021-2024
Subject Areas & Credits Required
English/Language Arts: 4 credits
Mathematics: 3 credits*
Science: 3 credits
Social Science: 3 credits
Health/PE: 2 credits
Fine Arts, Career & Technology Education: 3 credits
Electives: 6 credits
Total Required: 24 credits
*(must be in Integrated 1 (Algebra 1) or higher. Middle school students may earn high school math credit as long as they receive an A or B at the Algebra 1 level and higher when available at a district middle school. Middle school Algebra 1 or higher grades will be counted as part of the high school GPA)
Essential Skills
Students are required to demonstrate proficiency in certain essential skills before they are awarded their diploma. State approved assessment options include designated standardized tests or Essential Skills work samples. Students must demonstrate Essential Skills in the areas of Reading, Writing, and Mathematics in order to graduate.
The following Essential Skills will be phased in over subsequent years. The timeline is yet to be determined by the Oregon Department of Education.
● Speak and present publicly
● Think critically and analytically
● Use technology
● Demonstrate civil and community engagement
● Demonstrate global literacy
● Demonstrate career-related learning standards: communication, problem solving, personal management, teamwork, employment foundations, and career development.
Personalized Learning
In addition to credit requirements, Essential Skills and portfolio requirements, students must:
1. Develop an education plan and profile.
2. Apply and extend their knowledge in new complex situations related to the student’s personal and career interest and post-high school goals through critical thinking, problem solving, or inquiry in real world contexts.
3. Participate in career-related learning experiences (minimum of 2).