1. Credit Requirements
   1. No public school student shall be granted a State of Delaware Diploma unless such student shall have successfully completed a minimum of 22 credits in order to graduate including: 4 credits in English Language Arts, 3 credits in mathematics, 3 credits in science, 3 credits in social studies, 1 credit in physical education, ½ credit in health, 1 credit in computer literacy, 3 credits in a career pathway, and 3½ credits in elective courses.
   2. Definitions: "Career Pathway" means a planned program of sequenced or specialized courses designed to develop knowledge and skills in a particular career or academic area. "Credit" means a minimum of 135 hours of actual classroom instruction or a demonstration of competency. "Credit for Computer Literacy" means credit granted toward graduation at any point when the student can demonstrate competency in the required skill areas either through an integrated approach, a specific course, or a demonstration of accumulated knowledge over the student's educational career.
   3. Local school boards and charter schools charter school boards may establish requirements over and above the minimum number of credits required by the State Department of Education.
2. Options for Awarding Credit Toward High School Graduation
   1. Local school boards and charter school boards of directors are authorized to award credit toward high school graduation for the following activities, on the condition that the activities incorporate any applicable state content standards. Before awarding credit for any of the following activities, the local school board or charter school board of directors shall have adopted a policy approving the activity for credit and establishing any specific conditions for the award of credit for the activity. Such policy shall be applicable to each school within the district or governed by the charter school board of directors.
      1. Courses taken at or through an accredited community college, two or four year college.
      2. Voluntary community service as defined in 14 Del.C. §§ 8901A, 8902A.
      3. Supervised work experience in the school and the community which meets the educational objectives or special career interest of the individual student.
      4. Independent study.
      5. Correspondence courses.
      6. Distance learning courses. These courses may be delivered by the teacher to the learner in real time, online or by video.
      7. High school courses taken while in the middle school in conjunction with an articulated agreement between the district middle school and the district high school(s). Such credit shall also transfer to a high school in another district.
      8. Course credit transferred from another high school.
      9. Course credit earned through summer or evening school classes, as a member of the military service and/or as part of the James H. Groves Adult High School.
      10. Tutoring programs taught by a teacher certified in the subject being taught.
      11. Course credit awarded by agencies or instrumentalities of the state other than public schools which provide educational services to students. A description of the program provided to the student, grades given, and the number of clock hours of instruction or a demonstration of competency must be provided to the school district prior to receipt of credit.

Updating High School Graduation Requirements