WHAT ARE A-G COURSES?

A-G refers to the seven academic subject areas that high school students are required to pass with a grade of “C” or better to be eligible for UC and CSU admission.

The A-G curriculum comprises core subjects and elective courses that involve substantial reading, writing, problem solving and laboratory work (as appropriate), and show serious attention to analytical thinking, factual content and development of students’ oral and listening skills.

Students who have successfully met A-G requirements have attained a body of general knowledge that will provide breadth and perspective to the new, more advanced demands of college coursework and rewarding careers in the 21st century.

A. HISTORY / SOCIAL SCIENCES

The “A” requirement for graduation is 2 years of social science. However, the CDE requires 4 specific courses and 3 years of history/social science.

These 4 specific courses are:

• World History AB
• U.S. History AB
• Principles of American Democracy (Government)
• Economics (counts as a “G” elective)

B. ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS

The “B” requirement for graduation is 4 years of English Language Arts.

Note: Literature and Language and Advanced ELD courses may be used to substitute the “B” requirement once the grade-level course has been attempted. Because these courses are “B” approved, a maximum of two semesters (10 credits) may be used to satisfy this requirement. However, UC requires that students pass non-ELD “B” approved English courses in the senior year.

Sample Courses:

• English 9 AB
• English 10 AB
• American Literature/Contemporary Composition
• ERWC AB

C. MATHEMATICS

The “C” requirement for graduation is 3 years of mathematics. The CDE requires students to take and pass Algebra 1. Note: All students must take 3 years of math in high school regardless of the math courses completed in middle school.

Sample Courses:

• Algebra 1
• Geometry AB
• Algebra 2 AB

Validation:

•  A grade of “C” or better in the first semester of Algebra 2 validates both semesters of Algebra 1.
• A grade of “C” or better in an advanced math course will validate the entire high school college preparatory sequence.
• A grade of “C” or better in Statistics will only validate Algebra 1 and Algebra 2, not Geometry.
• Students applying to CSU and UC must complete a Geometry course. 

D. LABORATORY SCIENCE

The “D” requirement for graduation is 2 years of laboratory science. One year must be a physical science and one year must be a biological science.

Sample Courses:

• Biology AB
• Chemistry AB

Validation:

• A grade of a “C” or better in the second semester of chemistry will validate a “D” in the first semester for CSU.
• Validation may not be used to meet the CDE graduation science requirement.

E. LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH

The “E” requirement for graduation is 2 years of a language other than English. (The 2 years must be in the same language).

Sample Courses:

• Spanish 1 AB and Spanish 2 AB
• French 1 AB and French 2 AB

Validation:

• A grade of “C” or better in a semester of a higher-level course validates a lower-level course.
• A higher-level LOTE course can validate the appropriate number of years based on the level.

Note: Students who take Spanish for Spanish Speakers are required to pass Spanish for Spanish Speakers 1B with a grade of “C” or better to meet the LOTE requirement.

F. VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS

The “F” requirement for graduation is 1 year-long course or two-semester courses in visual and performing arts. Both semesters must be from the same discipline (Dance, Theater, Visual Arts, or Music).

Sample Courses:

• Dance AB
• Theatre Intro AB
• Intro Art AB
• Instruments AB

There is no validation. Students must take and pass each course.

G. COLLEGE PREP ELECTIVES

The “G” requirement for graduation is 1 year of approved college prep electives.

Sample Courses:

• Economics (required for CDE)
• AP Psychology AB
• Journalism 1AB

There is no validation. Students must take and pass each course.

Adult Education offers students a way to recover credits by taking evening  classes at campuses throughout the district.

Digital Blended and Virtual Learning platforms such as APEX/Edmentum and Edgenuity/Imagine Learning provide a variety of courses. Students who work effectively in computer–based learning environments can recover needed credits before, during, or after the school day.

Independent Study offers students a flexible pace to recover credits by entering into a written contract with the teacher of record, their parent, and the school counselor that specifies the requirements.

Performance Assessment Student Support (PASS) is a modular program that meets the needs of students who have failed math or ELA classes to recover missing credits. Students proceed through each module at their own pace as they demonstrate mastery, and are provided differentiated instruction on concepts needing further reinforcement. Once students demonstrate proficiency in each module, they can earn a passing grade and recover missing credits. Courses are held outside of the school day to support students in this personalized learning experience, and additional social-emotional care is provided by a school site coordinator/counselor. 

Recovery + Intervention = Graduation (RIG) is a system whereby students can recover credits for failed classes by taking up to 2 pass-thru classes at an options school site during the school day, while remaining enrolled at the comprehensive high school. RIG classes are also offered after school and in the evening, providing maximum flexibility for students to complete A-G course credits. Partnerships have been created between several comprehensive high schools and their co-located option schools to offer these courses.

School Day Courses is a traditional approach for students to recover credits needed by retaking courses in their daily school schedule.

Students Taking Action for Readiness (STAR) is an extended learning program that offers extended time at the end of the semester for students to demonstrate proficiency of the course content and earn a higher course mark. Students enter into a written contract with the teacher of record, their parent, and the school counselor that specifies the requirements.

Edgenuity/Imagine Learning Booster Modules help students get back on track and provide them an opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in ELA, math, history, and/or science by focusing on priority standards. Modules cover key concepts and skills and include a pre-test, end-of-unit tests, and a cumulative post-test.