Lesson #5: Understanding Graduation Requirements and Equivalencies

How to Excel in High School

Length: 30 mins

Learning Objectives

❏ Understand California High School Graduation Requirements
❏ Understand high school equivalency options
❏ Learn study hacks!

Did you meet with your high school counselor?

If yes, how did it go?
If not, will you meet with your counselor this week so we can work together on this lesson next week? If yes, what is your action plan to make an appointment?

What did you learn during your meeting with your high school counselor?

Did you get a copy of your transcript? If yes, are you willing to share it with your tutor?

Step #1: Watch this video: Graduation Requirements

After watching the video, discuss these questions:

What are A-G courses? Who needs to complete them?
Did anything feel confusing about the video?

Step #2: Transcript Review:

If you were not able to get your transcript you can skip this section and come back to it once you get a copy of it.
Compare your transcript to this chart of CA High School Graduation requirements (Column: State Mandated Requirements)
As you are looking at your transcript and comparing it to the chart, write down any questions you have to bring back to your high school counselor.

Some students choose to pursue high school equivalency rather than a traditional high school diploma. The best person to guide you in this decision is your high school counselor. There are two main ways that students can earn high school equivalency in California: passing the GED exam or the HiSet exam.

Compare your transcript to this chart of CA Minimum High School Graduation Requirements
- Usually need to pass these classes with Ds or better
Compare your transcript to this chart of CA High School Courses Required for the University of California and the California State University systems
- Check your intended college(s) to see if the requirements differ
- Usually need to pass these classes with Cs or better
Free Diploma & Career Certificate for Adults

Whether you plan to get a high school diploma or equivalency, you’ll need to study! Check out the resources below for study hacks that will help you save time, pass your classes and tests, and reduce stress.

Watch 13 Study Tips: The Science of Better Learning

After watching the video, discuss these questions:

What are three tips from the video that you think will be most helpful?
Tell a story about a time that you felt well-prepared for a test or exam. What helped you feel prepared?

What are your three big takeaways from the How to Graduate High School module?

What can your tutor do to help you graduate from high school or earn your high school equivalency?

Congratulations on completing all of the lessons for How to Excel in High School!

Click here to complete your post-reflection

*If you are completing this curriculum from a paper version, you will need a laptop or smartphone to complete your Post-Program Reflection. Once online, navigate to https://www.tfaforms.com/5143032.

TODAY: Lesson #1: Growth Mindset

Graduation requirements
High school equivalency exams
Life hacks

NEXT WEEK: Lesson #2: Reverse Planning and Setting S.M.A.R.T. Goals