Graduation Guidelines

Colorado Graduation Requirements (aka “Graduation Guidelines”) are a road map to help students and their families plan for success after high school.  To graduate from high school in Colorado students must complete the following state-level, minimum graduation requirements:

• Demonstration of college or career readiness in English and Math based on at least one measure from the Menu of Options of College and Career Ready Demonstrations
• Completion of an Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP)
• Completion of a Civics (aka American Government) course.

CSI schools should select demonstrations of college and career readiness from the Menu of Options of College and Career Ready Demonstrations that fit the needs of their student population and the culture and mission of the school.  Schools may offer some or all the state menu options, may raise a cut score on an included assessment, and may add graduation requirements in other content areas.  Graduation requirements, including the state-level, minimum graduation requirements, should be communicated to the school community through widely used communication channels, including through the student/family handbook.

State-level, minimum graduation requirements are required for the graduating class of 2022 and beyond.

Graduation Requirements and Students Who Receive Accommodations

Districts have the authority to provide accommodations to students in meeting the Graduation Guidelines college and career demonstrations necessary to earn a standard high school diploma for:

• English Learners (EL)
• Gifted Students
• Students with Disabilities

Reporting Graduation Guidelines

Beginning in the 2020-2021 school year, Local Education Providers (LEPs) must report the measure by which each student has demonstrated Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness (PWR) according to the  Menu of Options of College and Career Ready Demonstrations.

• The Graduation Guidelines file is a required data file in the Student Interchange. CSI schools are encouraged to collect and report Graduation Guidelines data as soon as possible in preparation for the upcoming Student End of Year collection. Graduation Guidelines data is not required for October Count.
• The Graduation Guidelines Interchange File  is a Student Interchange File and part of the Student End of Year Collection.

CSI Data Submission Guidance for Graduation Guidelines

Graduation Requirements Resources and Professional Learning

• CSI and CDE joint presentation on implementation of Graduation Guidelines
  • The first hour implementation of Colorado’s Graduation Guidelines, and the final ½ hour addresses Data Submissions for Graduation Guidelines.
• CDE Graduation Guidelines
• CDE Graduation Guidelines FAQ’s
• CDE Graduation Guidelines Promising Practices
• CDE Menu of Options of College and Career Ready Demonstrations Resources