Occupational Education Graduation Requirement

Updated April 2009

What is the role of the State Board of Education in graduation requirements?

RCW 28A.230.090 authorizes the SBE to establish graduation requirements.  The SBE has established minimum credit requirements, a culminating project, and a high school and beyond plan (WAC 180-51-066).

Local districts may set additional requirements.  The legislature currently requires students to meet standard on the Washington Assessment of Student Learning in the areas of reading and writing.

What is the current occupational education graduation requirement?

The state minimum high school graduation requirement in occupational education is (1) credit.

How is occupational education defined?

WAC 180-51-066 specifies: "Occupational education" means credits resulting from a series of learning experiences designed to assist the student to acquire and demonstrate competency of skills under student learning goal four and which skills are required for success in current and emerging occupations.  At a minimum, these competencies shall align with the definition of an exploratory course as proposed or adopted in the career and technical education program standards of the office of the superintendent of public instruction.  The assessment of achieved competence in this subject area is determined at the local district level."

What are the career and technical education program standards associated with an exploratory course that an occupational education credit must align with?

The characteristics of exploratory career and technical education courses are described in this OSPI program standards document.

Does the one credit graduation requirement in Occupational Education have to be met in an approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) course and be provided by a CTE-certified instructor?

No.  A non-CTE course, taught by a non-CTE certified teacher can meet the occupational education graduation requirement as long as it delivers the four outcomes of an exploratory CTE course.  Students who enroll in exploratory courses must:

-Demonstrate the application of essential academic learning requirements in the context of preparing for living, learning and work.

-Demonstrate occupational specific skills.

-Demonstrate knowledge of career options within a chosen pathway.

-Demonstrate employability and leadership skills.

Can the occupational education requirement be waived?

No.  The occupational education requirement cannot be waived or met by earning a credit in another subject area.

Washington State
Board of Education
PO Box 47206
600 Washington St. SE
Olympia, WA 98504-7206
360-725-6025