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2024-25 Scheduling Information » PDE Diploma Requirements

PDE Diploma Requirements

⭐In summary of the information below, students must accumulate a minimum of 25 credits, meet one of the ACT 158 graduation pathways, and pass the U.S. Citizenship test to receive a diploma.  


REQUIRED GRADUATION CREDITS:  

According to Pennsylvania School Code, students are required to complete 4 credits in English, 3 credits in Science, 3 credits in Math, 3 credits in Social Studies, 2 credits in Arts or Humanities, and 5 credits of elective courses.  Students are also required to successfully complete a Physical Education course each year they attend high school and successfully complete one planned Health course.  Schools are also required to provide instruction in the areas of technology and family and consumer sciences.  In order to meet these requirements and prepare students for life after high school, the Marion Center Area School District requires students to accumulate a minimum of twenty-five (25) credits for graduation.  More specific information on required course credits can be found on the Graduation Credit Requirements tab.


GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH BY ACT 158 & THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION: 

In accordance with the requirements set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Act 158, learners graduating in 2022 and beyond must meet ONE of the following pathways to meet the statewide graduation requirement: 

  • Keystone Proficiency Pathway: Scoring proficient or advanced on each Keystone Exam - Algebra I, Literature, and Biology.
 
  • Keystone Composite Pathway: Earning a composite score of 4452 on the Algebra I, Literature, and Biology Keystone Exams (while achieving at least a proficient score on at least one of the three exams and no less than a basic score on the remaining two). 
 
  • Alternate Assessment Pathway: Successful completion of locally established grade-based requirements for academic content areas associated with each Keystone Exam on which the learner did not achieve proficiency and one of the following: 
    1. Attainment of an established score on an approved alternate assessment (SAT, PSAT, ACT, ASVAB);
    2. Successful completion of advanced coursework (AP, College in the Classroom, or next level course i.e. Biology II, Algebra II, or Literature and Communication) in an academic content area associated with each Keystone Exam in which the learner did not achieve at least a proficient score;
    3. Acceptance in an accredited 4-year nonprofit institution of higher education and evidence of the ability to enroll in college-level coursework.
  • Evidence-Based Pathway: Successful completion of locally established grade-based requirements for academic content areas associated with each Keystone Exam on which the learner did not achieve proficiency and demonstration of three pieces of evidence consistent with the learner's goals and career plans, including:
One of the following:
        • Attainment of an established score on the ACT WorkKeys assessment, a SAT subject test, an Advanced Placement Program Exam, or an International Baccalaureate Diploma Program Exam;
        • Acceptance to an accredited nonprofit institution of higher education other than a 4-year institution and evidence of the ability to enroll in college level coursework; (or)
        • Attainment of an industry-recognized credential; or iv. Successful completion of a concurrent enrollment or postsecondary course; and 
(and) Two additional pieces of evidence, including one or more of the options listed above, or: satisfactory completion of a service learning project; attainment of a score of proficient or advanced on a Keystone Exam; a letter guaranteeing full time employment; a certificate of successful completion of an internship or cooperative education program; or satisfactory compliance with the NCAA's core courses for college-bound learner athletes with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.
  • CTE Pathway: For Career and Technical Education (CTE) Concentrators, successful completion of locally established grade-based requirements for academic content areas associated with each Keystone Exam on which the learner did not achieve proficiency and attainment of an industry-based competency certification related to the CTE Concentrator's program of study or demonstration of a high likelihood of success on an approved industry-based competency assessment or readiness for continued meaningful engagement in the CTE Concentrator's program of study. 

US Citizenship Test - In addition to meeting one of the above pathways to graduation, students must also receive a passing grade (D or above) on a locally established version of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Naturalization test in order to receive their diploma.  The test is administered at the end of the 9th grade Modern American History or Honors American History course.  Learners who do not pass the Citizenship test at that time will be required to take Civics in their 11th or 12th grade year and retake the test.