Mission Viejo : Trustees To Study Higher Standard for Graduation

The Saddleback Valley school board at its March 12 meeting will consider a proposal to require that students have a minimum C-minus cumulative grade average to graduate from high school.

At the same meeting, board members also will consider a proposal to increase course requirements in mathematics, foreign language, fine arts, and social and physical sciences, Deputy Supt. Donald A. Ames said.

The Saddleback Unified School District would not be the first to impose such a minimum standard, district officials said. However, state and county education officials said they were unaware of such minimum graduation standards anywhere in California.

If the proposals are approved, the graduating class of 1989 would be the first affected. Currently, students must have at least a D average to get a diploma. Had the C-minus requirement been in effect for the class of 1984, Ames said, 6%, or 85 of 1,409 seniors, would not have received diplomas.

There also is some sentiment among the five board members to require a cumulative C average for graduation. Had that still tougher standard been in place for the class of 1984, 13.5%, or 190 students, would not have received diplomas.

Ames, who is in charge of instructional services for the Saddleback district, said the move to raise the minimum graduation standards grew out of the minimum grade standards set for student participation in athletics and other activities, such as band, drill team or cheerleading.

It also is a reflection of the statewide trend toward toughening school and course requirements, he said.

“I think that, above all, it would bring an academic and businesslike atmosphere to each school and each classroom,” Ames said. “Students would know from the beginning they are expected to accomplish at least an average level performance--and higher, if possible.”

In a 1984 district survey of teachers, parents and students on the issue of minimum graduation standards, Ames said, 58.5% favored adopting the C average requirement.

During lengthy discussions and public hearings on the issue, Ames said, even students concerned about the potential impact on low-achievers tended to support setting higher standards.