Minnesota Graduation

Requirements

Minnesota Graduation Requirements: Three Primary

Components

Complete the State Course Credit Requirements

Complete all State and Local Academic Standards

Pass State Graduation (GRAD) Assessments

DisclaimerGraduation requirements for students are

determined by the Minnesota State Legislature under Minnesota Statutes. Their requirements are

minimums for graduation. On occasion, the legislature makes changes to these requirements. Additionally, parents and students should check with their local districts for their local graduation requirements, as they may vary slightly due to

local additions or requirements.

Completion of State Credit Requirements

Credit “counting” normally begins in 9th gradeExceptions include circumstances where students may

have accelerated their learning with high school rigor courses

A credit is equivalent to a student completing a full year of academic study in a subject matter

Local districts may waive certain requirements if students demonstrate mastery of the subject matter

Completion of State Credit Requirements

21.5 Credits are Required for Graduation4 Credits of Language Arts3 Credits of Mathematics3 Credits of Science3 ½ Credits of Social Studies1 Credit in the Arts7 Elective Credits

Requirements for Mathematics Credits (3 Credits)

Subjects of Algebra, Geometry, and Statistics and Probability Satisfy the Requirements

Students in the Graduating Class of 2015 Must Complete Algebra I by the End of 8th Grade

Students in the Graduating Class of 2105 Must Complete Algebra II as One of the Three Required High School Credits

Requirements for Science Credits (3 Credits)

One Credit of Biology is RequiredAt Least One Other Credit Must Come from Physics,

Chemistry, or a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Course

The CTE Course Must Meet the Standards Found in the Chemistry or Physics Requirements

Agriculture Courses May Fulfill a General Science Credit Requirement

Requirements for Social Studies Credits (3 ½ Credits)

Credits Must Include:U.S. HistoryGeographyGovernment and CitizenshipWorld History Economics

Other Information Related to Required Course Credits

CTE courses may fulfill General Science, Mathematics, or Arts credit requirements.

School districts may require additional course credits or other requirements for graduation beyond the minimum required by the state.

Completion of State and Local Academic Standards

State and Local Academic Standards are typically embedded in the coursework that students take.

Local districts may have standards which are not included in state standards.

Students, by virtue of taking and successfully completing required coursework, should also complete the required standards.

Pass State GRAD (Diploma) Assessments

Required GRAD Tests for Graduation

Written CompositionReadingMathematics

Pass State GRAD (Diploma) Assessments

Retests Are Available for Students to Take Special Rules for Mathematics

Students may receive a diploma without passing the Math GRAD Test if they:Pass/complete all state and local coursework and credits

required for graduation by their school board. Retest until they pass the mathematics GRAD or take at least

two retests, whichever comes first. Participate in math remediation (tutoring) offered by the district.