Volume 43 - Issue 25 - June 20, 2024

State of Kansas

Department of Education

Permanent Administrative Regulation

Article 31.—ACCREDITATION

91-31-35. Graduation requirements. (a) Each governing body shall adopt a written policy specifying that pupils are eligible for graduation only after completion of at least the following graduation requirements as established by the state board:

(1) Four units of English language arts, which shall include reading, writing, literature, grammar, and at least one-half unit of communication. The chief administrative officer may waive up to one unit of this requirement if the chief administrative officer determines that a pupil will benefit more by taking another subject;

(2) three units of history and government, which shall include world history; United States history; United States government, including the Constitution of the United States; concepts of economics and geography; and, except as otherwise provided in K.A.R. 91-31-35 (e), a course of instruction in Kansas history and government;

(3) three units of science, which shall include physical, biological, and earth and space science concepts and which shall include at least one unit as a laboratory course;

(4) three units of mathematics, including algebraic and geometric concepts;

(5) one-half unit of physical education. This requirement shall be waived if the school district is provided with a statement by a licensed physician that a pupil is mentally or physically incapable of participating in a regular or modified physical education program;

(6) one-half unit of health education which may include safety, first aid, or physiology. This requirement shall be waived if the school district is provided with a statement, signed by a lawful custodian of the pupil, indicating that the requirement is contrary to the religious teachings of the pupil;

(7) one-half unit of financial literacy;

(8) one unit of fine arts, which may include art, music, dance, theatre, forensics, and other similar studies selected by the governing body;

(9) one unit of advanced science, technology, engineering, advanced math or other similar studies selected by the governing body;

(10) four and one-half units of elective courses;

(11) two or more accomplishments approved by the State Board that demonstrate the pupil will be a successful Kansas high school graduate;

(12) One of the following filings, unless exempted by the chief administrative officer;

(A) A free application for federal student aid with the United States department of education, or;

(B) On a form created by the state board, file a waiver with the governing body indicating that a parent or guardian or, if the pupil is at least 18 years of age or legally emancipated, the pupil understands what the free application for federal student aid is and has chosen not to file an application.

(b) At least 21 units of credit shall be required for graduation.

(c) A unit may only satisfy one graduation requirement at a time.

(d) Any governing body may increase the number of units of credit required for graduation. Any additional requirements of the governing body that increase the number of units of credit required for graduation shall apply to those students who will enter the ninth grade in the school year following the effective date of the additional requirement.

(e) The governing body shall waive the requirement for a course of instruction in Kansas history and government required in K.A.R. 91-31-35(a)(2) for any student who transfers into the district at a grade level above that in which the course is taught.

(f) Unless more stringent requirements are specified by existing local policy, the graduation requirements specified in this regulation shall apply to those students who enter the ninth grade in the school year following the effective date of this regulation and to each subsequent class of students. (Authorized by and implementing Article 6, Section 2(a) of the Kansas Constitution, K.S.A. 72-3235, and K.S.A. 2023 Supp. 72-5170; effective July 1, 2005; amended Oct. 8, 2021; amended July 5, 2024.)

Dr. Randy Watson
Commissioner
Department of Education

Doc. No. 052241