Graduation Requirements
Under school code in Pennsylvania, students must demonstrate postsecondary preparedness to meet statewide requirements through one of five Pathways to Graduation. This includes completing coursework and demonstrating proficiency in a pathway to graduation. This page is intended to provide families, students and members of the community with a clear understanding of the expectations and supports to effectively meet the requirements.
Academic Coursework
Springfield Township High School requires 28 credits to earn a diploma. These credits include:
- 5 Credits in English Language Arts
- 4 Credits in Social Studies
- 3-4 Credits in Mathematics (at least 3 separate course)
- 3 Credits in Science
- 2 Credits in Arts & Humanities
- 1.5 Credits in Physical Education (3 courses)
- .5 Credit in Health
- .5 Credit in Senior Experience
- .5 Credit in Career Technology (Computer Science or Business Technology)
- 8 Credits in Electives (Including World Languages)
Information about specific courses, sequences and grading expectations are available with the Program of Studies.
In addition to successful completion of coursework and credit earning, in order to earn a HS Diploma from Springfield Township High School students must comply with the Pennsylvania Public School Code.
Pathways to Graduation
Act 158 of 2018 (Act 158) and Act 6 of 2017 (Act 6) amended §121 of the Pennsylvania Public School Code, establishing five different pathways by which students may meet the statewide graduation requirements under Title 22 Chapter 4. The Keystone Proficiency and Keystone Composite Pathways rely on student performance in three academic areas (Algebra I, Biology, and Literature), proven to be predictive of postsecondary success; whereas the Career & Technical Education (CTE) Concentrator, Alternative Assessment, and Evidence-Based Pathways were designed to more fully illustrate students’ college, career, and community readiness through other student artifacts and experiences.
All students 21 years of age or younger legally entitled to attend a commonwealth public school and enrolled in school entities as defined are subject to Pennsylvania graduation requirements. Special considerations are provided for students in specific situations; however, no students are exempted.
Pathway 1: Graduation Pathway can be met by demonstrating proficiency in Keystone Exams (end of course assessments in Algebra 1, Literature & Biology). However, there are alternative pathways available to ensure all students are able to meet and demonstrate their readiness for post-secondary success.
Pathway 2: Graduation Pathway can be met by meeting a Keystone Composite Pathway where the overall performance and numeric scoring for each exam (and performing at least at the Basic level) is calculated.
Pathway 3: Graduation Pathway can be met by collection of artifacts: demonstrating proficiency in a CTE (vocational education) Concentrator and creating at least one artifact of this completion of hours, Alternative Assessment (grade based requirements) .gathering evidence and artifacts to demonstrate content proficiency.
Pathway 4: Graduation Pathway can be met by satisfactory completion of a special education program.
Pathway 5: Graduation Pathway can be met when extenuating circumstances, who has met the grade-based requirements for Keystone content area(s) in which the student is less than proficient, and unable to satisfy the requirements may be granted a waiver by the Superintendent.
Students will meet with their School Counselors to continue to evaluate their progress and determine steps in order to successfully navigate and meet a pathway that prepares them for their post-secondary goals.
Questions about HS Graduation Eligibility can be directed to the School Counselor, High School Administration or the Assistant Superintendent.