RCW 28A.230.090 authorizes the State Board of Education (SBE) to establish state graduation requirements. SBE has established credit requirements and a "High School and Beyond Plan"in WAC 180-51-067 that describes the graduation requirements for the Classes of 2017 and 2018, and in WAC 180-51-068 for the graduating Class of 2019 and beyond. A comprehensive chart of Graduation Requirements shows specific credits needed based on the student's year of graduation.
World languages is not a state high school graduation requirement for the Classes of 2017 and 2018, but are a part of the 24-credit graduation requirement framework for the Class of 2019 and beyond, as described in WAC 180-51-068. The two world language credits in the 24-credit graduation requirement framework are flexible credits and are not considered core subject requirements. Instead of world language, students may use the two credits as Personalized Pathway Requirements. Personalized Pathways, and Personalized Pathway Requirements are defined in WAC 180-51-068:
- (b) "Personalized pathway"means a locally determined body of coursework identified in astudent's high school and beyond plan that is deemed necessary to attain the post-secondary career or educational goals chosen by the student;
- (c) "Personalized pathway requirements"means up to three course credits chosen by a student under subsections (6) and (8) of this section that are included in a student's personalized pathway and prepare the student to meet specific post-secondary career or educational goals.
The intent of the world language graduation requirement in the 24-credit framework is to encourage all students to consider taking at least two credits of world language. However, if the student wants to use two credits as Personalized Pathways Requirements instead of world languages, they may do so. The courses the student choses as their Personalized Pathway Requirements should align with their education and career goals, and be part of their High School and Beyond Plan.
Local districts and tribal schools may have their own local requirements, which could include world language.