W.F. West High School

W. F. West Graduation Requirements

W. F. West has a semester system in which there are two 18-week periods of six classes each. A .50 credit is given for each semester class successfully completed for a total of 6 credits per year or 24 credits possible within the normal four-year period. The 24 credits possible provide 48 separate class selections; 22 credits or 44 classes will be required.

Academic Area Minimum
W.F. West
Requirements
(through the
class of 2012)		 Minimum
W.F. West
Requirements
(class of 2013
& beyond)		 Washington
College &
University
Requirements		 Typical
W.F. West
Honor's
Program
Requirements
Language Arts 6 6 8 8
Social Studies 6 6 6 6
Mathematics 5 6 6 (a) 8
Science 4 4 4 (b) 8
Health 1 1 1 1
Lifetime Fitness 3 3 3 3
Occupational 2 2 2 2
Fine Art 2 2 2 2
Foreign Language 0 0 4 (c) 4
Electives 15 14 12 6

TOTAL CLASSES

 44 44 48 48

(a) through advanced algebra
(b) chemistry recommended
(c) 3rd year recommended

Additional, non-credit requirements

  • Students must also form a High School and Beyond Plan completed through advisory.
  • Students must complete a culminating project, which consists of a research paper (assigned in English class), the student-led conference presentation during the senior year, and the product log as assigned in advisory
  • Students will be required to pass State tests OR a State-approved alternative.  Information in the chart that follows is condensed from "Graduation in Washington."  The complete text is available online at: www.k12.wa.us/Resources
Classes of
2011 & 2012		 Classes of
2013 & beyond
Reading
  • Pass the Reading WASL or HSPE OR 
  • Pass a state-approved alternative
  • Pass the Reading HSPE OR
  • Pass a state-approved alternative
Writing
  • Pass the Writing WASL or HSPE OR
  • Pass a state-approved alternative
  • Pass the Writing HSPE OR
  • Pass a state-approved alternative
Math
  • Pass the Math WASL or HSPE OR
  • Submit a score of 19 or higher on the math ACT, 470 or higher on the math SAT, or 3 or higher on calculus or statistics Advanced Placement course exams OR
  • Submit a GPA comparison (this is not considered a math assessment, and students must still take a legislatively approved math assessment) OR
  • Earn two credits of math after the 10th grade

    A student must take the math WASL/HSPE at least once before using any of the above alternatives
  • Pass math end-of-course exams in algebra 1 and geometry or their integrated math equivalents
  • Submit a score of 19 or higher on the math ACT, 470 or higher on the math SAT, or 3 or higher on calculus or statistics Advanced Placement course exams OR
  • Submit a GPA comparison (this is not considered a math assessment, and students must still take a legislatively approved math assessment) OR
  • Submit a successful math Collection of Evidence, which returns in the 2011-12 school year

    The option of earning two credits of math beyond the 10th grade year is no longer available for students in the class of 2013 and beyond

    A student must take both end-of-course exams at least once before using any of the above alternatives.  The math Collection of Evidence will likely not be available until a student's 11th grade year, bu the state is determining the rules on this with the state Legislature.
Science
  • Not required for graduation
  • Pass the Science HSPE OR the Biology end-of-course exam (debuts spring 2012)