Academic and performance requirements to obtain a diploma from Hawai‘i public high schools—from the basics to honors recognition—with information about the Personal Transition Plan that is required of all students.
milestones to graduation
High school graduation requirements in Hawai‘i public schools set a rigorous standard of learning that enables all students to:
- Realize their individual goals and aspirations.
- Possess the attitudes, knowledge, and skills necessary to contribute positively and compete in a global society.
- Exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
- Pursue post-secondary education and/or careers without need for remediation.
Students who demonstrate proficiency in academics and General Learner Outcomes in the required courses shall receive a high school diploma.
Personal Transition Plan
A requirement for all high school graduates, the Personal Transition Plan (PTP) (PDF) is each student’s plan of action to transition from high school to college and/or careers. Student, parent and school personnel have a shared responsibility in the development and execution of the PTP during high school. The elements are:
- Goal attainment.
- Identification of available resources.
- Evidence to support the plan of action taken.
- Self-evaluation component.
Guidelines
Understanding that each high school is provided the latitude to implement the PTP for each student, the following guidelines were developed:
- A PTP should be initiated as each student enters into high school.
- The PTP should be reviewed periodically by the student, school staff and parent/guardian to ensure that the student is meeting the elements of the PTP.
As a guide, these Career Technical Education Model benchmarks were developed for students by grade levels:
9th Grade
- Evaluate potential career choices in relation to personal interests, strengths and values.
- Assess the compensation, lifestyle and other benefits associated with careers of interest.
- Develop individual education and career goals.
- Develop a career portfolio that documents evidence of progress toward the attainment of personal, educational and career goals.
10th Grade
In addition to all of the above:
- Analyze individual education and career goals.
- Assess career portfolio that documents evidence of progress toward the attainment of personal, educational and career goals.
11th Grade
In addition to all of the above:
- Analyze the demographic, geographic, and technological trends that affect work opportunities
- Prepare for the job interview process.
12th Grade
- Finalize Personal Statement*
- Complete Career Portfolio*
- Complete Professional Resume*
- Complete Post Secondary Plan*
- Exposure to various entrance tests (post-secondary, work, etc.)
*Required
Awarding of Credit
0.50 credit shall be issued at the end of the first semester of the terminal year and noted on the student’s official transcript as either credit or no credit for meeting the elements of the PTP.
Subject Matter Standards
A list of the standards that the Department uses to ensure students are being exposed to rigorous and age-appropriate benchmarks of learning. Standards are not curriculum, but expectations of what students should know and be able to do at each grade level.