Learning the ‘A..B..C’s of California ‘A – G’s Southern Kern School District

What is A – G? The University of California (UC) and the California State University (CSU) systems require students take specific courses in high school that satisfy the requirements for admission. These courses are called the ‘A – G’ courses. SKUSD graduation requirements encompass the ‘A – G’ courses, as well as courses that our local school board and state have deemed essential for graduation.

Why have A – G? The intent of the ‘A – G’ Subject Requirement is to ensure that students can participate fully in the first-year program at the University in a wide variety of fields of study. The requirements are written deliberately for the benefit of all students expecting to enter the University, and not preparation for specific majors. Approved ‘A – G’ courses are updated annually and can be found at:

The College Board’s College Readiness System SpringBoard ® English & Mathematics PSAT/NMSQT ® AP Potential ™ College Visits Take the SAT ® Take AP ® Courses College Admissions ReadiStep ™ CollegeEd ® 6th Grade SpringBoard is the foundation of the College Board’s College Readiness System: Expand access and opportunity Promote collaborative interactions between teachers and students around curricula that inspire students to achieve success. Provide a core instructional framework that aligns standards, curriculum, instruction, assessment and professional development.

A – G Subject Requirements  two years of history/social science  four years of English  three years of mathematics  two years of lab science  two years of a language other than English English  one year of visual and performing arts  one year of a college-preparatory elective

A – G Requirements A.History/Social Science – 2 years required Two years of history/social science, including one year of World History and one year of U.S. History or one-half year of U.S. History and one-half year of American Government. B.English – 4 years required Four years of college preparatory English that include frequent and regular writing, and reading of classic and modern literature. C.Mathematics – 3 years required, 4 years recommended Three years of college preparatory mathematics that includes Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry. Other math classes include Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus.

A – G Requirements D.Laboratory Science – 2 years required, 3 years recommended Two years of laboratory science including but not limited to, Biology, Chemistry, Physics. Life Science and Physical Science do not satisfy the lab science requirements. E.Foreign Language – 2 years required, 3 years recommended Two years of the same language other than English. This would include Spanish, Spanish for Native Speakers, French, German, Japanese, and even sign language. F.Visual & Performing Arts – 1 year required One year of visual and performing arts chose from the following: dance, drama/theatre, music and/or visual art. G.College Preparatory Electives – 1 year required One year (two semesters), in addition to those required in A - F above.

‘A – G’ for CSU and UC A – G Subject AreaCalifornia State UniversityUniversity of California A: A: Social Studies 2 years One year of U.S. History 2 years U.S. History and Modern History B: B: English4 years of English C: C: Mathematics 3 years of Mathematics Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II 3 years of Mathematics 4 years is recommended D: D: Science 2 years of Laboratory Science to include Physical and Biological; one of which must be from the ‘D’ subject area. 2 years of Laboratory Science to include at least two of the three core disciplines of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics both from the ‘D’ subject area. E: E: Language other then English2 years of a Language other than English 2 years of a Language other than English (3 recommended) F: F: Visual and Performing Arts1 year of UC approved Visual and Performing Arts G: G: College Preparatory Elective1 year Elective from any area on the approved ‘A – G’ course list

Graduation Requirements  History/Social Science – 3 years (30 credits) Three years of History/Social Science, including one year of World History, one year of U.S. History and one-half year of Economics and one-half year of American Government  English – 4 years required (40 credits)  Mathematics – 3 years required (30 credits) Algebra I must be passed with “D” or better  Science – 2 years required (20 credits) One year of Integrated Science, Life Science, Physical Science, Biology, etc

Graduation Requirements  Visual and Performing Arts – 1 year (10 credits) - OR -  Foreign Language – 1 year (10 credits) Two years of Foreign Language needed to meet A – G unless student placed into an advanced F.L. class such as Spanish II for Spanish speakers.  Vocational Education – 1 year (10 credits) Auto Shop, Wood Shop, CAD, and ROP Keyboarding Can be replaced with 3 rd year of science to meet A - G  Physical Education – 2 years (20 credits)  Health Ed. And Geography – 10 credits (1 semester of each)  Elective Courses – 60 credits (11 semesters)

SKUSD Graduation Requirements Subject AreaCreditsLengthOther Information Social Studies*30 credits3 yearsWorld, U.S., Amer. Gov, Economics * Different then A – G English40 credits4 years Mathematics30 credits3 yearsMust pass Algebra I Science20 credits2 yearsPhysical and Biological Science Fine Arts or Foreign Language*10 credits1 year* Different then A - G Vocational Education10 credits1 yearVoc Ed or 3 rd year of Science Physical Education20 credits2 years Health Education and Geography10 credits1 year Electives60 credits12 semestersIn any area based on student need

AP Classes Because of the more rigorous nature of Advanced Placement, Honors, and concurrent post-secondary courses, student receiving a grade of A, B, or C in those courses shall receive extra grade weighting as follows: Because of the more rigorous nature of Advanced Placement, Honors, and concurrent post-secondary courses, student receiving a grade of A, B, or C in those courses shall receive extra grade weighting as follows: A – % Outstanding Achievement 5.0 pointsA – % Outstanding Achievement 5.0 points B – % Above Average Achievement 4.0 pointsB – % Above Average Achievement 4.0 points C – % Average Achievement 3.0 pointsC – % Average Achievement 3.0 points

Questions?