Graduation Requirements

In order to obtain a diploma from Shippensburg Area School District, all students must complete two components.  All prospective graduating students obtain the proper number of credits and meet the requirements set forth within Act 158.  To understand what each child must obtain prior to graduation, please continue reading to understand the requirements of each part.

Credits for Graduation

All Shippensburg Area School District students are expected to earn 28 credits to graduate.  In order to obtain this, courses in the following subject areas are required:

Subject AreaCreditsCredits for FCCTC Students
English44
Math43-4 **
Science43.5
Social Studies43.5
Wellness/Fitness22
Art0.50N/A
Tech Ed & Computer Science0.50N/A
Family Consumer Science0.500.50

 

** = Must complete Algebra II and Geometry

Act 158

Signed into law on October 24, 2018, Act 158 provides students with more options for meeting the graduation requirements.  The law requires each student to take the Keystone exam in Algebra, Biology, and Literature, but students do not need to be proficient on these tests to graduate.  Act 158 provides students with different pathways to complete their graduation requirements.  The pathways to graduation include:

  • Keystone Proficiency:  Earning a proficient or advanced score on each of the Keystone Exams (Algebra, Biology, and Literature)
  • Keystone Composite:  Earning a composite score of 4452 or higher on the Keystone Exams (Algebra, Biology, and Literature) while achieving at least one proficient or advanced on at least one of the three exams AND no less than a score of "Basic" on the remaining exams. 
  • Alternative Assessment:  Earning a passing grade in each of the Keystone courses on which a score of proficient or advanced was not achieved  AND satisfactorily completing one of the following:
    • Attainment of one alternative assessment score or better:
      • ACT (21), ASVAB (31), PSAT (970), or SAT (1010)
    • Attainment of Gold Level or better on ACT WorkKeys
    • Attainment of 3 or better on AP Exam(s) related to each Keystone content area in which less than Proficient
    • Attainment of 4 or better on IB Exam(s) related to each Keystone content area in which less than Proficient
    • Successful completion of a pre-apprenticeship program
    • Acceptance into accredited, non-profit Institution of Higher Education 4-year program for college-level work
  • Evidence-Based:  Earning a passing grade in each of the Keystone courses on which a score of proficient or advanced was not achieved AND demonstrating three pieces of evidence consistent with goals and career plans.
    • Include one or more pieces of evidence from the following section:
      • Attainment of 630 or better or any SAT Subject Test
      • Attainment of Silver Level or better on ACT WorkKeys
      • Attainment of 3 or better on any AP Exam
      • Attainment of 3 or better on any IB Exam
      • Successful completion of any concurrent enrollment or postsecondary course
      • Industry-recognized credentialization
      • Acceptance into accredited, non-profit Institution for Higher Learning for college-level coursework in an other than 4-year program
    • No more than 2 pieces of evidence from the following:
      • Attainment of Proficient or Advanced on any Keystone Exam
      • Successful completion of a service-learning project
      • Letter guaranteeing full-time employment or military enlistment
      • Completion of an internship, externship, or cooperative education program
      • Compliance with NCAA Division II academic requirements
  • Career & Technical Education:  Earning a passing grade in the courses associated with each of the Keystone Exams on which a score of proficiency was not achieved AND one of the following:
    • Industry-based competency certification
    • Likelihood of industry-based competency assessment success
    • Readiness for continued engagement in CTE Concentrator program of student

We are here to help!

We understand that the Act 158 requirements can be confusing, but we are here to help.  There are a team of staff that are able to support your child in finding the correct pathway and helping them attain their diploma.   

If you have questions about graduation requirements, first start off by reaching our to your child's counselor or Mr. Flohr.

  • Mrs. Frontino:  Erica.Frontino@ship.k12.pa.us
  • Mr. Lindenmuth:  David.Lindenmuth@ship.k12.pa.us
  • Mrs. Debias: Rachel.Debias@ship.k12.pa.us
  • Mr. Flohr: Matthew.Flohr@ship.k12.pa.us