Department of Education
Dr. Tim Webb, Commissioner
Tennessee Diploma Project: Graduation Requirements
Beginning next school year, the Tennessee Department of Education will implement the Tennessee Diploma Project (TDP), a broad overhaul of standards and curriculum designed to challenge students and better prepare them for college and the workforce.
Students beginning high school in Fall 2009 will begin a new path with increased graduation requirements from 20 credits to 22, a focus on the skills needed for college and the workforce in an ever expanding global economy, and new assessments.
Gateway Exams in high school will be replaced by end-of-course exams that truly test the mastery of expectations leading to college- and work-readiness. The overall assessment system includes the ACT’s College and Readiness Test, Explore (given in the 8th grade) and the PLAN College Readiness Test given in the 10th grade.
| Current Basic High School Requirements | Requirements for Students Beginning High School in Fall 2009 |
|---|---|
| TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED: 20 | TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED: 22 |
| MATH: 3 Credits Including either Geometry or Algebra II |
MATH: 4 Credits Including Algebra I, II, Geometry and a fourth higher level math course |
| SCIENCE: 3 Credits Including one physical science course and Biology |
SCIENCE: 3 Credits Including Biology, Chemistry or Physics, and a third lab course |
| ENGLISH: 4 Credits | ENGLISH: 4 Credits |
| SOCIAL STUDIES: 3 Credits | SOCIAL STUDIES: 3 Credits |
| WELLNESS: 1 Credit | PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND WELLNESS: 1.5 Credits |
| PERSONAL FINANCE: .5 Credits | |
| ELECTIVE: 6 Credits | FOREIGN LANGUAGE: 2 Credits FINE ARTS: 1 Credit May be waived for students not going to a University to expand and enhance the elective focus |
| ELECTIVE FOCUS: 3 Credits Math and Science, Career and Technical Education, Fine Arts, Humanities, Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) |
